Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, has extolled the virtues of the Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Osun State, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, who has just joined his ancestors.
The Paramount Ruler passed away on Thursday at the age of 86.
According to Obasanjo, the late monarch particularly distinguished himself as a scholar for development.
In a condolence message, he commiserated with the state governor, 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 was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.
He added, “His wise counsel, inspiring leadership, and consistently dependable support will be greatly 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 epitomised the qualities of an eminent scholar who excelled in all intellectual pursuits relevant to the award of a doctoral degree in Development Economics.”
The former President noted that 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 passing feels 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.”
Obasanjo urged the chiefs of Ijesaland, the people of Osun State, and all the members of his immediate and extended family to find solace in his legacy and the mark he left on the history of the country.
