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Tag: Aromolaran

  • Salis salutes ‘catalyst of change’ Owa Obokun Aromolaran 

    Salis salutes ‘catalyst of change’ Owa Obokun Aromolaran 

    Frontline politician and lawyer, Oba Mekunu Owolabi Salis, has extended his condolences to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the people of Ijeshaland on the passing of the Owa Obokun, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.

    Salis, who holds the titles of Olori Eyo Alagere of Lagos, Jagun Bashorun of Ibadanland, and Akinyegun of Owu, described the late monarch’s death as marking the end of an era.

    He said: “Allow me to express at this juncture that by his passing, I felt a great sense of loss, not only as a traditional High Chief, a Yoruba son and ardent lover of tradition and culture, and staunch supporter of the African traditional royalty but also because of quite a lot of distinguished Ijesha sons, whom I am privileged to have as friends and associates. 

    “Especially outstanding in this regard, according to him, was Chief Jumoke Ogunkeyede, whom he described as an unsung Nigerian hero and patriot, a distinguished High Chief of the Owa, and an illustrious son of Nigeria who as an immigrant in New York, mobilised and led people like me, also resident in New York, to play an immense role in the struggle for liberty during the ugly era of Abacha military tyranny.

    “We also have great personalities from Ijesha who participated in the struggle like Engineer Osho, Madam Iyanda, and Barrister Fashakin, among others. 

    “The late Oba is a great friend of Nigerian Americans and the European Returnee Association as he often visited and identified with Yorubas in Diaspora. 

    “I am a Lagosian. The Ijeshas and Lagosians share royal blood on the father line. We are the same. Another cogent factor he narrated further,” was the irrepressible influence which the departed royal father had on me academically speaking during my growing up years” 

    Read Also: Aromolaran was an exemplary monarch – Oluwo

    Going down memory lane, Salis recalled: “At a very tender age during my earliest years in secondary school, Oba Aromolaran had a tremendous influence in my educational career, just as he had among the general mass of students in those days, through his publishing company, Aromolaran Publishers, whose books were very popular among students, as well as books personally authored by the late Owa Obokun himself, which included his very popular book on Economics.”

    “Those books which were not only expertly written but skillfully tailor-made to student’s need, which therefore made it a must-read by my fellow students in those days, constituted my earliest memory of this great Oba.

    “It is therefore in this sense that the Adimula will go down in history, as a leading figure who in his glorious epoch of earthly existence contributed the most, through his unflagging devotion, to moulding the youth towards the noble goal of educational excellence.

    “I have deliberately made mention of this point because going through the tributes being rendered in his honour, I am yet to come by any reference to this highly important aspect of his contribution to the educational upliftment of youths, who are often and rightfully regarded as leaders of tomorrow.

    “To rob him of this important aspect of his contribution to humanity would be a disservice to his legacy, hence my avowed decision as being done in this brief piece, to put the record straight, said the eminent Lawyer politician who in 2019 contested for governorship in Lagos State on the platform of Alliance for Democracy.”

     He stated: “As a forward-looking upwardly-mobile Oba, Aromolaran ranked amongst the earliest class of educated elites to mount the saddle of leadership, thereby raising the prestige of the traditional royal institution to optimum literacy.” 

     He noted: “As a pivotal catalyst of change, the ancient kingdom of Ijeshaland witnessed a remarkable pace of development and modernity in every facet of life, which were made possible through the modernising impulse of the Owa.

    “Therefore with his departure, there is certainly no doubt that he will be leaving Ijeshaland in a tremendously better state than he met it.”

    He described the departed monarch as a unifying symbol and man of peace, whose dignified carriage and Royal comportment were salient sterling qualities that not only set him apart, but also made him an exemplary model worthy of emulation by his fellowship royal class and colleagues, not only in Yorubaland, but Nigeria as a whole. 

    Noting that the glorious departure of the immensely esteemed monarch was a painful one, he beseeched all sons and daughters of Ijeshaland including his nuclear and extended biological families to take solace in the exemplary life he lived, which was worthy of emulation.

    He said: “On succession, I urged the kingmakers to look outward to the Ijesha Diaspora, like Engineer Osho, one of the best engineers in New York or Ijesha Lagosians They can bring great value to the ancient town.”

  • Aromolaran: Owa-in-council begins 90 days transition rites for late Ijesa monarch

    Aromolaran: Owa-in-council begins 90 days transition rites for late Ijesa monarch

    • 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.

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    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.

  • Aromolaran: Exit of don and monarch

    Aromolaran: Exit of don and monarch

    He rode to stardom as a scholar-prince; a university teacher and researcher, and an investor and captain of industry. A cosmopolitan figure, he nevertheless maintained an emotional attachment to his Ijesa roots while climbing the hierarchical ladder in the ivory towers and the civil service.

    At home and abroad, Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was perceived as a man of the future. When his time finally came, the handsome millionaire prince, already a household name in Ilesa, traditional headquarters of Ijesa Kingdom, fulfilled his destiny. He mounted the prestigious throne of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland with pride, in succession to Alayeluwa Adeniran Agunlejika (1912-1981), who joined his ancestors at a ripe age.

    The staff of office was presented to him by former Governor Bola Ige, a native of Esa-Oke, the birthplace of his mother, the late Madam Tinuola. That was in 1982. Since then, Ilesa has been on the path of steady growth, waxing stronger as a commercial town, attracting people from far and near, and reaping the benefits of urbanisation.

    Two days ago, Oba Aromolaran answered the call of his creator, leaving behind the chiefs, led by Obanla Ogedengbe, and the Ogboni Ipole, whose sudden presence at the ancient palace announced the heroic passage. He was 87. It was the end of an era.

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    In those days, when an Owa passed on, reaction to his demise was a mixture of mourning and celebration. Trees were felled. Domestic animals were seized by tough traditionalists. In other towns, the palace can be looted. Only permitted chiefs were permitted to announce the passage of an Owa.

    The late Owa left behind a prosperous mega town, a land reputed for commerce where the Osomaalo of yore thrived, a university community, and a land of potentials and prosperity.

    Oba Aromolaran left behind a united town. But, not all his dreams were fulfilled. He had fought for a state capital when Osun State was carved out of the old Oyo State. It was elusive. He also agitated for an Ijesa State, believing that Ijesa towns and contiguous Ekiti communities sharing borders with Ijesaland could make the state. All these were not realised.

    But townspeople commended him for his efforts in consistently articulating the interest of Ilesa for 42 years.

    Highly sagacious, Oba Aromolaran, with his unique dress sense, was regaling on the throne. He was full of honour and influence. He prided himself as the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, and his claim enjoyed the support of history.

    Oba Aromolaran was conscious of the contributions of his illustrious predecessors, particularly the wealthy Oba Hasstrup Ajimoko I and II, and Owa Agunlegika, who served as the Ijesa bridge to modernity. His priority was how to build on their feats, thereby elevating the throne of his forebears.

    The deceased monarch guarded his ‘kingdom’ jealously. He maintained links with all Ijesa towns and villages, including Ifewara and Ifetedo, where some Ijesa elders sojourned in the days of war. In fact, it was often said that the owa of olden days maintained the habit of sending messengers to these Ilesa elders who founded the two communities to tap from their experience and knowledge during difficult times.

    Oba Aromolaran had premonition that he would be king right from youth. Therefore, he prepared himself ahead of time. He imbibed good character as a student and integrity as a worker. He ultimately became the scion of the royal household of Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran into which he was born on October 13, 1937. Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran reigned between July 1920 and July 31, 1942).

    He started his primary school at Otapete Methodist School, Ilesa, before going to Agbeni Methodist School, Oke-Ado Ibadan. Oba Aromolaran attended Ilesa Grammar School and became a teacher. He later attended Wesley College, Elekuro, Ibadan, a Teachers’ Training College. He was also at Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State, where the popular Oyewole princes, Femi and Dotun Oyewole, were his tutors.

    But, the turning point was his entry into the University College, Ibadan (UCI), an affiliate of the University of London, where he obtained the B.Sc. Degree in Economics in 1964. Only few people had the privilege of attending university in those days.

    In 1965, Oba Aromolaran did a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Ife, then located at Ibadan. He later attended a management course at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania, in the United States, graduating with Master’s Degree in Mathematical Economics. He capped it with a Ph.D. in Development Economics under the supervision of Prof. Samson Olayide, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

    He was a research fellow at the University of London.

    Oba Aromolaran became a technocrat when he joined the civil service of the old Western Region. He served in various capacities, rising to the position of a Deputy Permanent Secretary.

    He later ventured into private business.

    Oba Aromolaran established the Aromolaran Publishing Company Limited at Ibadan on December 1, 1971. The company was a huge success. It had branches in Ghana, Sierra Leone, London and New York (USA). A reputable author and publisher, Oba Aromolaran wrote many books that were used in primary and secondary schools, and the university. In 1966, he published his first book, ‘Economics for West Africa’, in collaboration with his friends, Alabi Ogun and Areoye Oyebola, a former Daily Times Editor who later served as commissioner in Western State.

    A scholar of international standard, he also contributed to learned journals at home and abroad.

    One of the famous economic books he co-authored with his colleague, Hansen, is still a must read. He was an Examiner for General Certificate Education (GCE) Advanced Level Economics for West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria, Sierra-Leone and Ghana.’

    Oba Aromolaran was the Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, from 2002 to 2014, which conferred on him the LLD Degree (Honoris Causa). He served as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers and the President of Ijesa Traditional Council comprising the 12 local governments in Ijesaland. He was also the prescribed and consenting authority over all chieftaincies in Ijesaland.

    Under him, Ilesa expanded. It became a university town as the college of education was upgraded. Industries, including the brewery, also sprang up. The trio of Ajanaku, Omole and S.B. Bakare contributed to the development of the city.

    The Federal Government conferred on him the honour of Commander of the Order of Federal Republic (CFR).

  • Aromolaran: Exit of don and monarch

    Aromolaran: Exit of don and monarch

    He rode to stardom as a scholar-prince; a university teacher and researcher, and an investor and captain of industry. 

    A cosmopolitan figure, he nevertheless, maintained an emotional attachment to his Ijesa roots while climbing the hierarchical ladder in the ivory towers and the civil service.

     At home and abroad, Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was perceived as a man of the future. When his time finally came, the handsome millionaire prince, already a household name in Ilesa, traditional headquarter of Ijesa Kingdom, fulfilled his destiny. 

    He mounted the prestigious throne of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland with pride, in succession to Alayeluwa Adeniran Agunlejika (1912-1981), who joined his ancestors at a ripe age. 

    The staff of office was presented to him by former Governor Bola Ige, a native of Esa-Oke, the birthplace of Aromolaran’s mother, the late Madam Tinuola. 

    That was in 1982. Since then, Ilesa has been on the path of steady growth, waxing stronger as a commercial town, attracting people from far and near, and reaping the benefits of urbanisation.

    Two days ago, Oba Aromolaran answered the call of his creator, leaving behind the chiefs, led by Obanla Ogedengbe, and Ogboni Ipole, whose sudden presence at the ancient palace, announced the heroic passage. He was 86.  It was the end of an era.

    The late Owa left behind a prosporous mega town, a land reputed for commerce where the Osomaalo of yore thrived, a university community, and a land of potentials and prosperity.

    Oba Aromolaran left behind a united town. But, not all his dreams were fulfilled. He had fought for a state capital when Osun State was carved out of the old Oyo State. 

    It was elusive. He also agitated for an Ijesa state, believing that Ijesa towns and contiguous Ekiti communities sharing borders with Ijesaland could make the state. All these were not realised. 

    But, townspeople commended him for his efforts in consistently articulating the interest of Ilesa for 42 years. 

    Highly sagacious, Oba Aromolaran, with his unique dress sense, was regalling on the throne. He was full  of honour and influence. 

    He prided himself as the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, and his claim enjoyed the support of history. 

    Oba Aromolaran was conscious of the contributions of his illustrious predecessors, particularly the wealthy Oba Hasstrup Ajimoko 1 and 11, and Owa Agunlegika, who served as the Ijesa bridge to modernity. His priority was how to build on their feats, thereby elevating the throne of his forebears. 

    The deceased monarch guarded his ‘kingdom’ jealously. He maintained links with all Ijesa towns and villages, including Ifewara and Ifetedo, where some Ijesa elders sojourned in the days of war. 

    In fact, it was often said that owa of olden days maintained the habit of sending messangers to these Ilesa elders who founded the two communities to tap from their experience and knowledge during difficult times. 

    Oba Aromolaran had premonition that he would be king right from youth. Therefore, he prepared himself ahead of time. He imbibed good character as a student and integrity as a worker. 

    He ultimately became the scion of the royal household of Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran into which he was born on October 13, 1937. 

    Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran reigned between July 1920 and July 31, 1942).

    He started his primary school at Otapete Methodist School, Ilesa, before going to Agbeni Methodist School, Oke Ado Ibadan. Oba Aromolaran attended Ilesa Grammar School and became a teacher. 

    He later attended  Wesley College, Elekuro, Ibadan, a Teachers’ Training College. 

    He was also at Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State, where the popular Oyewole princes, Femi and Dotun Oyewole, were his tutors.

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    But, the turning point was his entry into the University College, Ibadan (UCI), an affiliate of the University of London, where he obtained the B.Sc. Degree in Economics’ in 1964. Only few people had the privilege of attending university in those days.

     In 1965, Oba Aromolaran did a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Ife, then located at Ibadan. 

    He later attended a management course at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania, in the United State, graduating with Master’s Degree in Mathematical Economics. 

    He capped it with a Ph.D. in Development Economics under the supervision of Prof Samson Olayide, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

    Hecwas a research fellow at the University of London. 

    Oba Aromolaran became a technocrat when he joined the civil service of the old Western Region. 

    He served in various capacities, rising to the the position of a Deputy Permanent Secretary.

    He lated ventured into private business. 

    Oba Aromolaran established the Aromolaran Publishing Company Limited at Ibadan on December 1, 1971. 

    The company was a huge success. It had branches a in Ghana, Sierra Leone, London and New York (USA). 

    A reputable author and published, Oba Aromolaran as a reputable Publisher, he wrote many books that were used in primary, secondary and university. 

    In 1966, he published his first book, ,’Economics for West Africa, ‘ in collaboration with his friends, Alabi Ogun and Areoye Oyebola, a former Daily Times Editor who later served as commissioner in Western State.

    A scholar of international standard, he also contributef to learned journals at home and abroad.

    One of the famous economic books he co-authored with his colleague, Hansen, is still a must read. He was an Examiner for General Certificate Education (GCE) Advanced Level Economics for West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria, Sierra-Leone and Ghana.’

     Oba Aromolaran was the Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State of Nigeria from 2002 to 2014, which conferred on him  the LLD Degree (Honoris Causa). He served as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers and the President of Ijesa Traditional Council comprising the 12 local governments in Ijesaland. He was also the prescribed and consenting authority over all chieftaincies in Ijesaland.

    Under him, Ilesa expanded. It became a university town as the college of education was upgraded. Industries, including the brewery, also sprang up. The trio of Ajanaku, Omole and S.B. Bakare contributed to the development of the city.

    The federal government conferred on him the honour of Commander of the Order of Federal Republic  (CFR).