A first-class Osun State monarch, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, is dead.

His death was announced in a statement, signed by Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, obtained by PUNCH Online on Thursday in Osogbo, the state capital.

Before Fasuyi’s confirmation of the monarch’s passage, there was anxiety over the health of Oba Aromolaran, who was said to be indisposed.

Confirming the monarch’s death, Fasuyi, in a tribute that he personally sent to our correspondent, wrote, “An Era Comes To An Abrupt End!

“A Monumental History Closes!
The Lion Departs The Forest!
The Torch Bearer Of Oduduwa Relocates!
The Symbol Of Obokun Adimula Transits!
The Elegance Of Ijesaland Royalty Takes A Bow!

“The Pride Of Yoruba Traditional Intellectualism Exits!
The Conscience Of Yoruba Traditional Rulers Departs!

“The Last Of The Titans Bids Farewell!
Ijesaland Celebrates The Life Of Her Idol!
Ijesaland Extolls The Life Of Our Imperial Majesty!

The late Oba ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, and spent 42 years on the throne until his demise.