Osun monarch dies at 85, indigenes mourn

The Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile in Osun State, Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, has died at the age of 85.

The monarch passed away after a 21-year reign.

The monarch’s demise was announced in a statement on Friday by the Obaala of Imesi-Ile and Chairman of the Owa-Ooye-in-Council, High Chief Tunde Aluko, on behalf of the royal council and the community.

The statement read, “With deep sorrow but total submission to the will of Almighty God, we announce the transition to glory of our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Ademola Enoch Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile.

“Kabiyesi joined his ancestors today, Friday, 16th October, 2026.

“He was a father to all, a symbol of peace, unity and development, whose reign brought honour and progress to Imesi-Ile land.”

The statement added that traditional rites and burial arrangements would be announced by the royal family and the Owa-Ooye-in-Council in due course.

In a separate statement, the indigenes of the community under the aegis of Imesi-Ile Progressive Association expressed condolences to the royal family and the community, describing the late monarch as a revered traditional ruler whose reign contributed significantly to the town’s growth.

The statement, signed by the association’s President, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, and General Secretary, Mr Sola Oluwadare, read, “IPA honours the enduring legacy of our departed monarch, particularly his remarkable developmental initiatives, cordial relationship with successive governments, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of Imesi-Ile’s rich cultural heritage.”

The association said the monarch’s reign brought peace, stability and development to the community, adding that his leadership fostered communal harmony and strengthened relationships among residents. 

It also highlighted his contributions to preserving the town’s cultural identity and promoting its historical significance, particularly through support for the growing international recognition of the Kiriji War celebration.

According to the association, the recent Kiriji celebration was particularly significant as it marked one of the monarch’s last major public outings.

The statement added, “During the reign of Kabiyesi, Imesi-Ile enjoyed peace, stability, and unprecedented development. His leadership provided an atmosphere conducive to communal harmony, progress, and collective advancement.”

The association, while calling on indigenes, friends of the town and well-wishers to pray for the community and the bereaved family, announced the suspension of all its major public outings until further notice in deference to traditional rites and in honour of the late monarch.

It added that further information and announcements would be communicated as developments unfolded.

The monarch, fondly referred to as Baba Daadaa, would have celebrated his 86th birthday next month.

Commenting on the death of the monarch, the Baba Egbe Odo of Ijana Methodist Church, Imesi-Ile, Chief Olusola Fabiyi, described the demise of the referred Oba as a huge loss to the town.

He said, “Kabiyesi was not sick. He still held meetings with chiefs, and even associates till late evening on Thursday. He was still in Osogbo the same day.

“He was loved. He did a lot for the town. His reign witnessed a lot of progress. We pray that his soul rest in peace.”

His death has left the royal family, the Owa-Ooye-in-Council and the people of Imesi-Ile mourning a ruler whose reign was associated with community development, peace and the preservation of the town’s cultural heritage.