His death was announced in a statement, signed by Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, today, Thursday 12th September, 2024 in Osogbo, the state capital.
Before Fasuyi’s confirmation of the monarch’s passage, there was anxiety over the health of Oba Aromolaran, who was said to be indisposed.
Confirming the monarch’s death, Fasuyi, in a tribute that he personally sent to our correspondent, wrote, “An Era Comes To An Abrupt End!
“A Monumental History Closes!
The Lion Departs The Forest!
The Torch Bearer Of Oduduwa Relocates!
The Symbol Of Obokun Adimula Transits!
The Elegance Of Ijesaland Royalty Takes A Bow!
“The Pride Of Yoruba Traditional Intellectualism Exits!
The Conscience Of Yoruba Traditional Rulers Departs!
“The Last Of The Titans Bids Farewell!
Ijesaland Celebrates The Life Of Her Idol!
Ijesaland Extolls The Life Of Our Imperial Majesty!
“Ijesaland Eulogises The Reign Of Our Owa Obokun Adimula!
Ijesaland Applauds The Legacy Of Our Paramount Ruler!
“42 Years Of Monumental Reign Comes To A Glorious End!
“Ijesa Women and Men, Young and Old, At Home and In The Diaspora In Unison Say Adieu To Our Baba Kaaaaaaabiyeeesiiiii Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran 11, CFR, LL.D.; the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.”
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the monarch via his X account on Thursday.
In a statement, Atiku recalled the late monarch’s fatherly warmth, describing him as more than just a father-in-law but a symbol of courage, boldness, and discipline emblematic of the Ijesha people.
He ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, and spent 42 years on the throne until his demise.
Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, PhD, CFR. The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
Born, October 13, 1937. A writer, teacher and publisher of about 100 books, most of which were the official titles of the WAEC, for its O and A levels examinations.
He ascended the throne in 1982 by succeeding Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika II(1912-1982).
Oba Aromolaran is the first Nigerian Oba to hold a PhD(Economics). His first book, Economics for West Africa was published in 1966, a collaborative effort with his friends, Alabi Ogun and Areoye Oyebola.
Owa Aromolaran left the old Oyo state civil service to become a full time publisher on December 1, 1971 and established the Aromolaran Publishing Limited, a firm he ran till he ascended the throne in 1982.
His pen never lost its power and his proclivity of writing has never waned. Even as paramount ruler of the Ijesas, Oba Aromolaran, Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Yola has written and published 14 educational books since ascending the throne.
Some of which includes: Ajibogun(1150-1255)
Awoka Okile(1260-1358)
Obarabaralokun(1360-1459)
Owari(1466-1520)
Owaluse(1522-1526)
Atakunmosa(1526-1546)
Oge(1572-1587)
Biilayi Arere(1588-1590)
Yeye Ladegba(1646-1652)
Yeye Gurogbo(1652-1653)
Biiladu I(1653-1681)
Biilaro(1681-1690)
Wayero I(1691-1692)
Wayero II(1692-1693)
Wayero III(1698-1712)
Biilagbayo(1713-1733)
Ori Abejoye(1734-1749)