Life and times of Oba Aromolaran; security agents take over palace; Kalu mourns

The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, has joined his ancestors.
The Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland was the Chairman, Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The first class monarch reportedly died on Wednesday September 11, 2024 at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State
An academic traditional ruler, the octogenarian was the first monarch to hold a PhD and his first book, Economics for West Africa, was published in 1966 in collaboration with his friends, Alabi Ogun and Areoye Oyebola.
He became the 40th Owa-Obokun Adimula on February 20, 1982 and was crowned by the late Governor of old Oyo State, Chief Bola Ige, on May 15, 1982.
He was later honoured with the award of the Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR).
Meanwhile, his palace in Ilesa has been taken over by security operatives.
The gate to the palace has been shut by officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Personal belongings of the king who reigned for 42 years are already being moved out of the palace.
In his reaction, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, commiserated with the government and people of Osun State over the demise.
Describing the passing of the prominent monarch as a huge loss to the nation, Kalu applauded the remarkable reign of tbe traditional ruler.
Kalu, while stressing that the late Oba Aromolaran’s reign was successful, added that the late monarch was a highly detrabilised Nigerian who used his position to advocate peace and unity among Nigerians.
In a condolence message, the former Governor of Abia State who is also the Bobameto of Ijeshaland, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the late traditional ruler to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
He said: “I sympathise with the government and people of Osun State over the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.
“The late traditional ruler was a selfless and patriotic statesman who used his resources to advance the cause of his people.
“His reign brought tremendous development to Ijeshaland and Osun State in general.
“He was a highly respected monarch owing to his objective counsel on national issues.
“The late monarch lived a purposeful life and his good deeds will forever be remembered”.
The former Governor prayed to God to grant the departed soul eternal rest and give the Aromolaran family the fortitude to bear the loss.