- Ooni, Aregbesola, Omowaiye mourn
Following the demise of the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Adekunle Gabriel Aromolaran, the Owa-In-Council has commenced 90 days of traditional transitional rites.
Oba Aromolaran joined his ancestors on Wednesday evening, subsequently, the kingmakers led by Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, Oba Oyebade Oyeleye imposed 7 days curfew and directed that the market be closed for three days.
However, the Owa-In-Council led by Obaala of Ijesa land, High Chief Ibitoye Adeniyi dispelled the earlier announcement of curfew in Ijesaland comprising six local government areas of Osun State.
Addressing newsmen at the palace of Owa on behalf of the council, Odole Owa of Ijesa, High Chief, Adebola Orolugbagbe said: “All markets across Ijesaland shall remain closed for seven (7) days starting from 14th and ending on 20th September 2024.
“No curfew is imposed anywhere in Ijesaland. Therefore, all citizens are enjoined to move about their normal daily lives and activities.
“The traditional palace at Okemese shall remain closed with immediate effect while all activities are suspended until further notice. Traditional transition rites shall continue for days.”
Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in a statement on Friday stated that Oba Aromolaran was not only a father figure to the people of Ijesa land but also a colossal loss to all the sons and daughters of Oduduwa race globally.
Read Also: Fed Govt, World Bank collaborate on electricity access reforms
Also, the erstwhile Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola condoled with the state and Ijesa people on the passage of Oba Aromolaran noting that he was his life coach while he was the governor for eight years.
He said: “Oba Aromolaran was my father before, during, and after my two-term governorship in the state. He was also my life coach and advisor in practically every area of life and governance. He was a tree that could make a forest. He was and lived like a lion, dominated his territory, and was feared and respected beyond.
Similarly, the Executive Director (Projects Implementation) at the Federal Housing Authority, Oluremi Omowaiye, expressed his heartfelt condolences on the transition of Oba Aromolaran.
Omowaiye said: “We take comfort in the fact that one of Kabiyesi’s greatest wishes – the establishment of a public university in Ilesa – was fulfilled during our administration, led by His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, former Governor of Osun State. ”
Also, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), has expressed deep condolence over the passing of the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun Adimula.
He described the passing of the late traditional ruler as an irreparable loss not only to his family and the Ijesha community but to the entire Osun state and the nation.
A statement signed by the head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh read in part: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the traditional ruler of Ijesha land. My heart goes out to his family, the people of Ijesha land, and the government and people of Osun State.