Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, joined other Nigerians in mourning the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, the Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Osun State.
The Paramount ruler joined his ancestors at age 86.
Obasanjo, in a condolence message, commiserated with the state governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, and the entire people of Ijesaland, describing the monarch as a patriot and a custodian of cultural and traditional values.
The condolence letter, which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, disclosed that the late Oba Aromolaran brought his salutary influence to sue for peace, understanding, and development in Ijesaland in particular and the entire Osun State in general.
“His wise counsel, inspiring leadership, and consistently dependable support will be badly missed.
“His formidable contributions to the development of his community, the State, and the country will remain indelible in the memory of all who had the privilege to know him. It is a measure of his selfless and qualitative service to our dear country that he was honoured with the revered national award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
“The late Oba also made an indelible mark and epitomized the qualities of an eminent scholar who excelled in all intellectual destinations relevant to the award of a doctorate degree in Development Economics.
Obasanjo noted further that, 42 years on the throne of his forefathers, “his pen never lost its power and his proclivity for writing never waned since his ascension to the throne as Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
“He was a renowned author and publisher of many books for use in Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Institutions both in Nigeria and overseas, and he contributed to national and international journals, making a great success of publishing with the Aromolaran Publishers.
“Although Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran’s passage is like a dream, especially as he left us at a crucial time in our nation’s history when his wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed, I urge you, the Chiefs of Ijesaland, the entire good people of Osun State, and all the members of his immediate and extended family, to take solace in the worthy legacy and mark on the history of this country he left behind.
“In fact, we ought to give gratitude to God for his worthy life.”
Obasanjo reacts to death of Oba Aromolaran, commiserates with Osun governor