The Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe has commiserated with every son and daughter of Ijesaland over the demise of Owa Obokun Of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.
Oba Aromolaran joined his ancestors penultimate week after a 42-year reign.
In a letter personally signed by the monarch, Oba Ogungbangbe described the passage of Aromolaran as a personal loss to him, stating that he would have been at the Palace but the custom doesn’t allow such visit until after ninth day.
He said, “The news of his passage was received with a heavy heart, and I hereby express my heartfelt condolences to the OWA-IN-COUNCIL, his family, and the entire people of Ijesaland, both at home and in the diaspora.
As much as I would have loved to either appear in person or through a letter to condole with the OWA-IN-COUNCIL and all our people, it is very important for me to adhere to the age-long custom and tradition of our forebears, which the Late Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran lived for and sustained throughout his reign as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
According to custom and tradition- THE AJAGBUSI-EKUN, OWALOKO OF ILOKO-IJESA must wait till the NINTH DAY or” ISAN” before he can visit or send message to condole with his family and the OWA-IN-COUNCIL after the passage or demise of a reigning OWA.
The passage of Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran is a personal loss to me, because he played fatherly role to me and my family at different phase of my life and I cannot but remember his unparalleled benevolent patience on the 24th of July, 2021 during my coronation ceremony at Iloko-Ijesa. This means a lot to me, my family and the entire people of Iloko-Ijesa.
I join millions of people across the globe in paying TRIBUTE to out dearly beloved, respected, intellectually driven and enigmatic MONARCH. A core figure of tradition and responsibility who ruled for 42 years.
The monumental progress achieved during his lifetime and reign as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijessaland cannot be quantified. His loss will be greatly felt, and his selfless service to his people will be remembered always.”
