On Tuesday, the first traditional ruler in Ondo State, the Owa of Idanre, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, joined his ancestors after spending 42 years on the throne.
The late monarch, who was one of the oldest traditional rulers in the Southwest region, passed away at the age of 102.
Oba Aroloye, ascended the throne in 1976 as the 26th Owa of Idanre and paramount ruler of all of Idanreland in September 1976, following the transition of his father, the 25th Owa, Oba Aladegbule Aroloye Arubiefin III.
Confirming his demise, the Lisa of Idanre land and traditional Prime Minister of Idanre, High Chief Christopher Oluwole Akindolire, said necessary traditional rites are already being put in place.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commiserated with the people of Idanre over the passing of their monarch, Oba Aroloye.
The governor said the passing of the revered monarch after 48 years on the throne is a monumental loss to the Idanre community, Ondo State, and Yorubaland.
Aiyedatiwa, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the late monarch as one of the most respected monarchs in Nigeria during his reign, adding that he was a lover of peace.
“Within the almost 50 years of his reign, Oba Aroloye promoted communal peace and stability while deploying his rich experience in the traditional leadership of Idanreland,” he said
In a condolence message, the governor said: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of our beloved Oba Aroloye. His Majesty’s wisdom, leadership, and dedication to community development and peace in our State will be deeply missed.
“We will continue to remember his selfless service, guidance, and unwavering commitment to the development of Idanre and Ondo State.
“May his legacy live on through the countless lives he touched and the traditions he upheld.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the royal family and the entire Idanre community during this difficult time. May the soul of His Majesty rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Also, the Idanre Development Assembly (IDA) and Club 66 described the late monarch as “not just a monarch but a change agent, a visionary, and an exemplar of the best traditions and customs of the Idanre people.
In a statement signed by the President of the Assembly, Chief (Dr) Anthony Omolola said Oba Aroloye was the architect of modern Idanre, and his 48-year reign, by all means, a watershed in Idanre and indeed Ondo State history, can never be forgotten.
“Sad as we are about his passing, given his inimitable fatherly presence, joviality, kindness, unblemished integrity and wise counsel, we are consoled by the fact that, just like his forebears, he was blessed with the gift of life, living to a ripe old age. This is, therefore, also a moment of celebration.”
He said, “From his birth on March 30, 1927, primary education at St. Paul’s Primary School, Idanre, and Methodist School, Idanre; secondary education at Western Boys High School, Benin (Edo State) and Hussy College, Warri; and his higher education at the Balham and Tooting College of Commerce and Law, where he obtained his professional degree; to his stint as a Chief Licencing Officer under the Surrey County Council (England) and as a Finance Clerk in Greater London, and as a Treasury Cash Officer in the civil service of the Old Western Region, Kabiyesi exhibited the virtues of honesty, diligence, and deep commitment to the uplift of humanity. He talked, walked, and acted like royalty, conscious of his distinguished heritage and mindful of his place as a Prince of the Idanre Kingdom. And when he eventually mounted the throne of his forebears, he used it as a tool of development and progress.
“Among other landmarks, he will be remembered for the Obaship institution with crown at Alade and Atosin and the expansion of the Oluship in other Idanre settlements, the placing of Idanre in the national and global consciousness with the Mare Festival, recognition of the Oke Idanre Hill by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and, most significantly, the protection of the interests of all Makanres regardless of religion, social status, or gender.
“He stood gallantly on behalf of his people and spoke against the takeover of their lands by mercenary forces. He was a Kabiyesi par excellence and institution in the sheer force of his love and dedication to his people.
“We send our deepest condolences to the Lisa of Idanre land and traditional Prime Minister of Idanre, High Chief Christopher Oluwole Akindolire, Oloris and all Makanres on the demise of His Imperial Majesty and encourage the Lisa to hold the community intact as we celebrate the life and times of our revered royal father.”
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