Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, said the memories of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, who joined his ancestors on Thursday, will always linger on, declaring that Yoruba had lost one of his illustrious sons.
Iba Adams said this on Friday in a statement made available to the media by his Special Assistant (SA) on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, as he mourned the passing of the revered monarch, condoled the Osun State government, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler, describing the death of the first class monarch as a great loss.
The Yoruba generalissimo said the late Oba Aromolaran was a great monarch, a teacher, and manager of men, whose ideas and vision would be useful to young generation of today, and further described him as a repository of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, especially on the Yoruba traditional institution.
“We have lost one of the great custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition. The late Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Kabiesi Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, made remarkable impact on the education sector.
He was a teacher, author, and publisher of many books. His contributions through many of his books and publications remained one of the greatest legacies that could hardly be forgotten.
“Kabiesi’s approach to issues, especially, his advocacy for what was right and fair, and his protection of the vulnerable from exploitation was a major factor that stood him out among other Yoruba monarchs.
“He was not a turncoat. He stood high with his belief in the unity and progress of Yoruba race and his love for Yoruba culture and tradition cannot be over-emphasized,” Iba Adams said.
The late Oba Aromolaran’s life was a reflection of the values of Yoruba culture and African tradition. His respect for these values and systems was unwavering,” he added.
Iba Adams, while describing the late monarch, who occupied the throne with honour and respect, noted that his 42-year reign on the throne of his forebears was devoid of rancour, unnecessary frictions, and controversies which he said made him an outstanding monarch in Yoruba land.
“In his life, Kabiesi was a man of the people. His 42-year reign on the throne of his forebears was devoid of rancour, unnecessary frictions, and controversies. That made him an outstanding monarch in Yoruba land.
“He occupied the throne with honour and respect. At 86, he remained a strong advocate of justice and fairness.
“So, as we mourn the passing of our revered monarch, I extend my condolences to the Osun State government, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler,” the Yoruba generalissimo said.
“And I pray God to grant the soul of the late monarch eternal rest,” he prayed.
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