Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday, joined other Nigerians to mourn the passing of His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Osun State.
The Paramount ruler joined his ancestors at age 86.
Obasanjo in a condolence message, Commiserate with the state governor, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke and the entire people of Ijesaland, describing the monarch as a patriot and a custodian of cultural and traditional values.
The condolence letter which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi yesterday, 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.
“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.”
“His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, I have just received, with deep regret, the sad news of the passing of His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran CFR, the Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland at the age of 86. I commiserate with you and the Government as well as the good people of Osun State on this sorrowful event.
“Our revered Oba will be remembered as a patriot and custodian of our cultural and traditional values, who gave his best while on the throne of his forefathers for 42 years. He brought his salutary influence to sue for peace, understanding and development in Ijesaland in particular and the entire Osun State in general. 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. 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.
“On behalf of my family and my own behalf, I hereby extend our sincere condolences and pray that God Almighty shall grant you all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“May the gentle soul of the dear departed rest in perfect peace.
