A king is a powerful ruler or leader in Nigeria. They are called Obas in Yoruba language. Nigerian traditional rulers often derive their titles from the rulers of independent states or communities that existed before the formation of modern Nigeria. Although they do not have formal political power, in many cases they continue to command respect from their people and have considerable influence. Some Obas are more famous than the others, but in the end all are revered.
Death is inevitable but everyone’s prayer is to live a long, fulfilling and blessed life with children carrying on their legacy.
In the last 14 days, 4 Yorùbá traditional rulers have gone on to their ancestors in quick succession while a total of 6 have passed on within 25 days.
A popular saying goes “kings don’t die…”
Topping the list with the most recent is:
1. Olupo of Olupona, Oba Emmanuel Onaolapo Oyebanji
The Olupo of Olupona, Oba Emmanuel Onaolapo Oyebanji, Fadare II passed on, on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Olupona is the headquarters of Ayedire South Local Development Area of Osun State.
2. Olu of Ayepe-Olode, Oba David Olajide Omisore
Oba David Olajide Omisore, the Olu of Olode, Omigbade 1 joined his ancestors at the age of 90 on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
He is the father of Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and two times Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District. He ascended the throne on September 9, 2009. Oba David Omisore is survived by 21 children including the former deputy governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore.
The deceased’s father, Chief Lowa Ajani Anibijuwon Omisore, is said to have founded the town in 1923.
3. Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Oguguniso 1, on January 2, 2022, passed on at the Intensive Care Unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan at 1.15 am. A statement was given by the hospital. He was 93 years old. Oba Adetunji was crowned the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan following his coronation on March 4, 2016.
Prior to his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadan, he was the Balogun of Ibadanland.
4. Olu of Kobape, Oba Olufemi Allen Taylor
Oba Olufemi Allen Taylor
The Olu of Kobape in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Olufemi Taylor, has also joined his ancestors.
Former Ogun State, Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba gave a statement on Friday December 24th, 2021.
According to him, the announcement of the monarch’s demise was approved by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
Worth mention;
5. Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III
Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III has also passed on. It was gathered that the first-class monarch died early Sunday morning on the 12th of December, 2021 at the age of 94 after spending 47 years on the throne.
He ascended the throne on October 24, 1973. He was born on May 27, 1926, in Ogbomoso to Oba Bello Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade II and Ayaba Seliat Olatundun Oyewumi. He was born to the Gbagun ruling house of the Royal family of Soun of Ogbomosoland.
His great grandfather, grandfather and father, Oba Oluwusi Aremu (5th Soun of Ogbomosoland, reigned from 1826 to1840), Oba Gbagungboye Ajagungbade 1 (10th Soun of Ogbomosoland, reigned from 1869 to 1871) and Oba Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade 11(15th Soun of ogbomosoland, reigned from 1916 to 1940) respectively, were monarchs of the ancient city of Ogbomoso.
The late monarch was the 20th and longest reigning Soun of Ogbomosoland in the history of Ogbomoso until his demise. He was survived by wives, children, grand-children, great grand-children.
6. Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu Amororo II
Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, the Olowu of Owu in Abeokuta, Ogun State, passed on on Monday December 13, 2021 after a brief illness, the state government said in a statement. He spent 16 years on the throne.
It was learnt that the traditional ruler was rushed to the hospital on Sunday, December 12 and he died shortly after. He was 80 years old.
On Monday, December 13, there was graveyard silence at the palace as no one was willing to speak about his demise.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Afolabi Afuwape, announced his demise. The commissioner said the deceased, a veteran TV producer, ascended the throne in 2005 as the 13th Olowu after Adewale Adisa Odeleye, Lagbedu 1, who passed away in 2003.
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