Dr Adeniran Aluko, an Ijesa prince, has described the late Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, as a great leader worthy of emulation in contemporary society.
Aluko, an associate professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ibadan, is the Director of the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies.
The international authority on Peace and War Studies lamented that Oba Aromolaran departed at a time when the nation needed guidance and wise mentoring.
He said: “Oba Aromolaran did not allow partisan interests to humiliate the traditional institution. He was fair and impartial and a father to all.
“Oba Aromolaran served Ijesaland and, by extension, the nation at large, with integrity. His decorum and dignity was a sanitary presence in the traditional institution.”
Dr Aluko said several encomium and commendations that have been pouring in since the demise of the respected traditional ruler were attestation to an oba who led a selfless life.
“I am extremely happy hearing and reading about great things our beloved oba did while on earth and I am happy that I am an Ijesa man and one of his children.
“We must not let all his good deeds die by ensuring that there is peace and tranquillity in Ijesaland,” the university don added.
Oba Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors on Thursday, ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, and his reign spanned 42 years.
Born on 13 October, 1937, the late Oba Aromolaran was a renowned writer, teacher and publisher of about 100 books, most of which were the official titles of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for its O and A Levels examinations.
The late first class traditional ruler is the first Nigerian Oba to hold a PhD (Economics). His first book, Economics for West Africa was published in 1966. The book was a collaborative effort with his friends, Alabi Ogun and Areoye Oyebola.
The late Oba Adekunle Aromolaran ascended the throne in 1982 when he succeeded Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika II (1912-1982) as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
