It is with a heart filled with sorrow and deep respect that Prince Adetokunbo Olateru-Olagbegi extends his condolences to the people of Ijeshaland and the family of the late Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II. Oba Aromolaran II, a revered monarch, not only held a special place in the hearts of his people but was also cherished by those who admired his leadership, wisdom, and dedication. As the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland and Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, he left an indelible mark on both his people and the nation.
Prince Olagbegi, who holds the late monarch in the highest regard, remembers Oba Aromolaran II as a beacon of traditional values and modern intellectual prowess. Becoming the 40th Owa-Obokun Adimula in 1982, Oba Aromolaran II was a true embodiment of progress and stability. His tenure has been marked by wisdom, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people. The late Oba’s contributions extended far beyond the throne, as he was also recognized for his academic brilliance, being the first Nigerian Oba to hold a PhD and an esteemed author of “Economics for West Africa.”
Looking back at the life of Oba Aromolaran II, Prince Olagbegi speaks of the profound influence the late monarch had on his own values and philosophy. As a man who deeply values tradition and progressive leadership, Prince Olagbegi draws inspiration from Oba Aromolaran’s ability to balance tradition with modernity, particularly in fostering unity across Ijesaland and beyond. It is through this that Prince Olagbegi expresses his gratitude for having known such an exceptional leader—a man who was honored by the Federal Government with the Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR) for his selfless service to the nation.
In this time of grief, Prince Adetokunbo Olateru-Olagbegi condole with the Ijesa people, the royal family, and all who were touched by the late Oba Aromolaran II. His legacy will remain alive through the values he championed and the lives he impacted. As the people prepare to organize his passage, we are reminded that true greatness lies not just in positions but in the heart and service of a leader who has now joined his ancestors in “the great beyond.” May his soul rest in perfect peace.
