By Chris Onuoha 

The paramount  ruler of Erinmo land, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi JP, Arowotawaya II, has sent a condolence message to the palace of Owa Obokun of Ijesa-land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, for the transition of their monarch who joins his ancestors.

Elerinmo in his heartfelt message, commiserate with the palace of the late Owa Obokun Adimula II, the people of Ijesa land in Osun State and the entire Yoruba race for losing such a prominent and revered monarch, noting that he will be greatly missed.

Oba Arowotawaya II, while extolling the virtues of Oba Aromolaran II, described him as one king, who will be dearly missed, for his contribution to his community and humanity in general, adding that his cultural and educational impact and contribution in the society would stand the test of time.

Narrating his experience with the late monarch, Oba Ajayi disclosed that Owa Obokun Aromolaran II was a father figure to all that have come in contact with him, adding he was very instrumental to the confidence he garnered for the kingship stool he occupies today.

“I was close to him, and met him during the burial of my father, Pa Joseph Ajayi. Having picked uncommon interest in me, he drew my attention to my people’s choice of picking me as their new king. Within six months after, I became king and he was there for me.

“Personally,  Owa Obokun Aromolaran II was my mentor in cultural and traditional matters. He encouraged me with his wealth of experience having noticed my cerebral capacity. Remarkably,  Owa Obokun accepted me as son. He was the grand royal father who graced my first coronation anniversary in 2015. His ever presence in my life influenced a significant progress in me as a king.

Oba Ajayi also said that his meeting with Oba Aromolaran II few days to his tenth year coronation anniversary, elicited some emotions, as the monarch never seized to show love to him.

“Oba Aromolaran II had encouraged me in many ways, having noticed that I am well educated and has vast knowledge on global issues like him. We shared uncommon affinity as traditional rulers and would always rub minds in critical cultural matters,” Oba Ajayi added.

Elerinmo,  while  commiserating with the people of Ijesa and particularly, the Adimula Aromolaran II family, said the late monarch would be greatly missed. He preached and encouraged unity among the Ijesa people, adding that the legacy Oba Aromolaran II established in his time should be maintained.

Meanwhile, the late Obokun Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesa land was born in October 13, 1937. He was a teacher, writer and publisher of many books. Oba Aromolaran II was the first king in Nigeria to hold PhD (Economics). 

His first educational publication was “Economics for West Africa,” published in 1966, and was widely used in West African Examination (WAEC) examinations curriculum. He retired from the Old Oyo civil service, and became a full time publisher in 1971. His firm, Aromolaran Publishing Limited has produced over 100 books authored by Oba Aromolaran II.

He was the Chancellor of Federal University of Technology,  Yola, and had also produced fourteen educational books as contributions to academic upliftment in the country. 

Oba Aromolaran joins his ancestors at the age of 87, having held on to the throne and served his people for 42 years as king.