Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
President Bola Tinubu, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have expressed deep sadness over the transition of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
Tinubu spoke in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.
Oba Aromolaran, the highly revered first-class monarch, died at 86. While on the throne, he also served as chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.
“As a traditional ruler, Oba Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, President Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler.
“The President 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 pays tribute to the departed monarch, expressing 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.
“The President notes 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 President prays that God Almighty will grant Kabiyesi’s soul eternal rest and comfort to all who mourn the passage of this great leader,” the statement read.
Obasanjo, who joined other Nigerians to mourn the passing of the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Osun State, commiserated with the state governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke and the entire people of Ijesaland, describing the monarch as a patriot and a custodian of cultural and traditional values.
The former president’s condolence letter which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, disclosed that the late Oba Aromolaran brought his salutary influence to sue for peace, understanding and development in Ijesaland in particular and the entire Osun State in general.
Obasanjosaid, “His wise counsel, inspiring leadership and consistently dependable support will be badly missed. 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 the Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR.
“The late Oba also made an indelible mark and epitomized the qualities of an eminent scholar who excelled in all intellectual destinations relevant to the award of a doctorate degree in Development Economics.”
Obasanjo noted further that 42 years on the throne of his forefathers, “his 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 the Aromolaran publishers.
“Although Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran’s passage is like a dream, especially as he left us at a crucial state in our nation’s history when his wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed, I would urge you, the Chiefs of Ijesaland, the entire good people Osun State and all the members of his immediate and extended family to take solace in the worthy legacy and his mark on the history of this country he left behind. In fact, we ought to give gratitude to God for his worthy life.”