By Kehinde Olusegun
It is no longer news that the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, passed away at the age of 87, after serving as the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland for 42 years. His death marks the end of a monumental era for the people of Ijesaland and the Yoruba race.
The news of his passage was contained in a statement signed by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Yinka Fasuyi and obtained by SAHEL STANDARD correspondent on Thursday in Osogbo.
The statement paid tribute to the king’s achievements, saying, “Ijesaland celebrates the life of her idol! Ijesaland extolls the life of our Imperial Majesty. We eulogise the reign of our Owa Obokun Adimula! 42 years of monumental reign comes to a glorious end.”
For Oba Aromolaran, ‘truly, royalty brings instant recognition and puts the beneficiary in that echelon where money, women and influence reign. But he refused to be carried away by any of those in the knowledge that though some of those things may make you one of the most sought-after men around, what secures the future for the royal is his strength of character, personal convictions and the goals he sets for himself. With these at the back of his mind, the young Aromolaran brushed aside all princely fantasies and tastes, and upped the ante for himself.’ According to Shola Oshunkeye, Oba Aromolaran ‘desired more than the traditional stool. He aimed for the sky. He resolved to be king in a different kingdom – the academia. However, if providence ever permitted him to sit on the throne of his forefathers, he wanted to do so with a PhD in his bag. He wanted to be an academic of an uncommon hue, the first PhD monarch in Nigeria.’
Having ruled from September 24th, 1966, Oba Aromolaran’s predecessor, Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika II (1912-1981) joined his ancestors on September 26th 1981. Oba Aromolaran II, ‘a millionaire publisher… was unanimously chosen in 1982 by all Ijesas at home and in the diaspora to become the 40th Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland with effect from 20th February, 1982. He was coronated by the then Government of the old Oyo State, the Late Chief Bola Ige amidst pomp and pageantry on Saturday, 15th May, 1982.’ The Federal Government of Nigeria, in consideration of Oba Aromolaran’s meritorious and selfless services to the Nigeria nation honoured him with the award of the Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR).
Oba Aromolaran, the last born of his mother, was born in October 13, 1937 into the royal household of Kabiyesi, Alayeluwa, Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran I, the Owa-Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland (from July 1920 to July 31, 1942) and Princess Tinuola Aromolaran – a princess of Esa-Oke in Ijesaland.
Oba Aromoran started his primary school education at Otapete Methodist School, Ilesa which he finally completed at the prestigious Agbeni Methodist School Oke Ado Ibadan. Oba Aromolaran attended Ilesa Grammar School, between 1970 and 1974.
He was a school teacher before proceeding to Wesley College, Elekuro Ibadan – a Teachers’ Training College. Kabiyesi later studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics at Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State with Messrs. Femi and Dotun (Twin brothers) Oyewole as his tutors.’
Oba Aromolaran ‘attended the then University College Ibadan (UCI) which was then a College of the University of London (now the University of Ibadan) where he obtained the B.Sc. Degree in Economics’ in 1964. In 1965, he did a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration of the University of Ife then located at Ibadan. Oba Aromolaran went overseas for a management course at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania, in the United State of America and graduated with Master’s Degree in Mathematical Economics. Oba Aromolaran studied and earned his Ph.D. in Development Economics under the supervision of Prof Samson Olajuwon Kokumo Olayide, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
Oba Aromolaran joined the Civil Service of the old Western Region, served in various capacities and rose to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary before he voluntarily resigned his appointment to set up his private business called Aromolaran Publishing Company Limited at Ibadan on December 1, 1971. The Company had branches along the West Coast of Africa: in Ghana, Sierra Leone, London and New York (USA).
Oba Aromolaran as a reputable Publisher ‘authored over 100 Titles for use in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions both in Nigeria and Overseas and contributed to national and international Journals.
He was also an Examiner for General Certificate Education (GCE) Advanced Level Economics for West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria, Sierra-Leone and Ghana.’
Oba Aromolaran was the Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State of Nigeria (now called Modibo Adama Federal University of Technology) from 2002 to 2014. Kabiyesi held the LLD Degree (Honoris Causa) of the same University.
Oba Aromolaran served as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers and the President of Ijesa Traditional Council comprising the Twelve (12) Local Governments in Ijesaland. ‘He was also the Prescribed and Consenting Authority over all Chieftaincies in Ijesaland. About One Hundred Beaded Crown Traditional Rulers in Ijesaland under the control of His Imperial Majesty.’
His reign was marked by immense development, cultural preservation, and intellectual leadership, earning him respect not just in Ijesaland but across the Yoruba race.
His passage is a great loss to the people of Ijesaland, Osun State and beyond, as they mourn the departure of a ruler whose intellectualism, wisdom, and contributions to society were unparalleled.
Oba Aromolaran’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, as his reign represents a rich chapter in the history of Yoruba traditional institution.
