Aromolaran: The World Mourns; Tributes Pour

By Damola Emmanuel

On the stage of life, he shone like a thousand stars. He wrote every chapter of his life in gold. Whether in academics, or public service or service to his people and his Maker, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the 40^th Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, made wholesome strides others can only wish. He was a peerless ruler who brought endless joy to his people, kingdom and jurisdiction.

Little wonder, the moment the news filtered that he had signed off the stage of life and was on his way to claiming celestial prize and palace, the deluge of eulogies that trailed the news drowned the heartbreak of his passing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu set the ball rolling.

Remarkable Ruler-Tinubu

Though the President expressed sadness over the transition of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, he poured encomiums on the selfless and history-making monarch for keeping his palace “above the fray of partisan politics”, as he “was open to all political tendencies.”

Extending the heartfelt condolences of the Federal Government, to the government and people of Osun State, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the departed first-class ruler, President Tinubu “affirms that the departed monarch firmly believed in the values of Yoruba culture and African tradition. His respect for these values and systems defined his remarkable 42-year reign on the throne of his ancestors.”

President Tinubu does not quit. According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed his “deep admiration for Oba Aromolaran’s unwavering support, optimism, and commitment to Nigeria’s justice, unity, and prosperity. His dedication to these noble causes inspired us all.”

Praying God Almighty “to grant  Kabiyesi’s soul eternal rest and comfort to all who mourn the passage of this great leader,” President Tinubu noted that the late Oba Aromolaran “will be long remembered for his useful educational contributions through his many books and publications, his advocacy for what is right and fair, and his protection of the vulnerable from exploitation.”

The exit of the titan-Gov. Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State described the late monarch as a “father figure, a pillar of support, and a teacher” who was deeply committed to the development of Ijesaland and Osun State.

The Governor, according to a release issued  by his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, praised Oba Aromolaran for his boldness, candour, elegance, and literary energy, through which he  inspired the people during his long and highly successful reign as Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

Though saddened by the sudden demise of the paramount ruler, Governor Adeleke acknowledged Oba Aromolaran’s unwavering support for his administration, even in challenging times, and appreciated his constant communication on matters of development in Ijesaland and Osun State at large.

The Governor continues: “Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and wellbeing of the people. He was a friend of good governance, no matter the colour or race.

“The last time I was with him was the flag-off of the dualisation of Brewery-Palace road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijesaland.”

Adeleke condoled with the industrious people of ijesaland, the Owa Obokun traditional Council, the immediate family, and all indigenes of Osun, who are definitely affected by the exit of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, saying: “We will miss him dearly, but his impact on our lives and the development of Osun State will never be forgotten.”

Aromolaran’s pen never lost its power-Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his condolence message distributed to journalists in Abeokuta, described the paramount ruler as a patriot and a custodian of cultural and traditional values who brought his salutary influence to advocate for peace, understanding, and development in Ijesaland and the entire Osun State.

“His wise counsel, inspiring leadership, and consistently dependable support will be greatly missed,” Obasanjo said. “His formidable contributions to the development of his community, the state, and the country will remain indelible in the memory of all who had the privilege to know him.

“It is a measure of his selfless and qualitative service to our dear country that he was honoured with the revered national award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).

“The late Oba also made an indelible mark and epitomised the qualities of an eminent scholar who excelled in all intellectual pursuits relevant to the award of a doctorate degree in Development Economics.”

The former President noted that Oba Aromolaran’s pen never lost its power and “his proclivity for writing never waned since his ascension to the throne as Owa-Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

“He was a renowned author and publisher of many books for use in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions both in Nigeria and overseas, and he contributed to national and international journals, making a great success of publishing with the Aromolaran Publishers.

“Although Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran’s passing feels like a dream, especially as he left us at a crucial time in our nation’s history when his wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.”

Obasanjo added up everything and urged all Ijesas, their Chiefs, the people of Osun State, and all members of the departed Oba’s his immediate and extended family to find solace in his legacy and the mark he left on the history of the country.

End of Golden Era- Erelu Obada

On her part, former Minister of Defence and former Deputy Governor of Osun   State, Erelu (Dr) Olusola Obada, described the transition of Oba Aromolaran as “the end of a golden era in the annals of Ijealand.”

Obada, who was installed as the Erelu of Ijeshaland by Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, recalled with nostagia, the departed royal father’s fatherly love and support throughout her fulfilling and adventurous political journey.

The former Minister of Defence described Oba Aromolaran as a monarch whose commitment to his people towered above pecuniary gains.

“Baba lived a fulfilled life,” the former Defence Minister continued. “He was a father in a million; he led his people with dignity, honour, and courage.
He called me Erelu of the New Testament. He was always full of adulations for me chanting my oriki and cognomen with so much ecstasy and adoration.”

“His passage marks the end of an era.

A royal star has fallen. Ijeshaland has lost a unifier.

We lost an Oba who combined academic prowess with native intelligence.

An Iroko has fallen and the forest mourns.

“I condole with the Owa-in-Council, the sons and daughters of Ijeshaland and Baba’s Oloris, princes and princesses.

Let’s all take solace in the fact that he lived an impactful life.”

 

A Poetic Tribute By Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi

From his Oke Baba Okuta Villa, Ilesa, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, penned this poetic tribute entitled:

FAREWELL, THE IJESA QUINTESSENTIAL IMPERIAL MAJESTY!

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.

Osupa Ileki, Amo roro l’agbo!

Filani Ijesa Ti O nmu Omo Ni Pele pele!

O Ba Iya Sun Fi Ewa Ran Omo!

Ki a to ri Erin, O d’igbo!

Ki a to ri efon, o d’odan!

Ki a to ri afinju Oba bi Dokita Adekunle Aromolaran……!

ERIN WOOOOOOOOOO!

Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi

The Asiwaju Of Ijesaland

Oke Baba Okuta Villa, Ilesa

12th September, 2024