Oba Adekunle Aromolaran was a respected traditional ruler of Ijesaland in Osun State, Nigeria. He served as the Owa Obokun for over 42 years, known for his wisdom, dedication, and significant contributions to his community and beyond.
Common Name | Oba Adekunle Aromolaran |
Full Name | Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran |
Age | 87 years old (as of 2024) |
Date of Birth | October 13, 1937 |
Gender | Male |
Occupation | Tradiational Ruler, Entrepreneur, Author |
Marital Status | Married |
Religion | Christianity |
Ethnicity | Yoruba |
State of Origin | Osun |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Net Worth | Between $10M and $20M |
Table of Contents
Adekunle Aromolaran Biography
Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, born on October 13, 1937, was a distinguished traditional ruler in Nigeria, serving as the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland for over 42 years. He hailed from a royal lineage as the last-born child of Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran I and Princess Tinuola Aromolaran of Esa-Oke. He ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, following the passing of Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika, becoming the 48th king of Ijesaland. His reign was marked by his dedication to preserving the cultural and traditional heritage of Ijesaland, earning him great respect for his wisdom and leadership among the Yoruba people. Oba Aromolaran passed away at the age of 86.
Adekunle Aromolaran Educational Background
Adekunle Aromolaran had his primary education at Otapete Methodist School, Ilesa, and later attended Agbeni Methodist School, Oke Ado, Ibadan. He went on to study at Ilesa Grammar School from 1970 to 1974. In 1964, he earned a B.Sc. in Economics from the University College Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan). He furthered his education by completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Additionally, he obtained a Master’s degree in Mathematical Economics from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, Pittsburgh, USA. He later earned a PhD in Development Economics under the supervision of Prof. Samson Olajuwon Kokumo Olayide, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
Adekunle Aromolaran Career
Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran began his career in the civil service of the old Western Region of Nigeria, where he rose to the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary. In 1971, he left the civil service to establish Aromolaran Publishing Company Limited, which quickly expanded with branches in Ghana, Sierra Leone, London, and New York. As a prominent author and publisher, he wrote over 100 educational titles used by institutions in Nigeria and abroad. Oba Aromolaran also contributed to education as an Examiner for Economics with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana.
Beyond his business success, Oba Aromolaran held prestigious leadership positions. He served as Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, from 2002 to 2014, and was the Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.
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Adekunle Aromolaran Awards
Oba Aromolaran was widely celebrated for his contributions to education, leadership, and traditional rulership. He was honored with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and received an Honorary Doctorate (LL.D) from Modibo Adama Federal University of Technology.
Adekunle Aromolaran Age
Adekunle Aromolaran was born on October 13, 1937, and passed away at the age of 87 in 2024.
Adekunle Aromolaran Death
Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, passed away on September 11, 2024, at the age of 87, ending a reign of over 42 years. His death brought deep sorrow to Ijeshaland and Osun State, with Governor Ademola Adeleke describing him as a selfless leader who greatly contributed to the region’s development.
Tributes poured in from leaders and dignitaries nationwide, recognizing his impact on peace, unity, and progress. Oba Aromolaran’s legacy as a respected monarch, educator, and entrepreneur will be remembered for generations to come.
Adekunle Aromolaran Personal Life
Adekunle Aromolaran was deeply connected to his people, earning respect for his wisdom and leadership. His reign saw the flourishing of Ijesa traditions and culture. He was also known for his intellectual contributions to Yoruba royalty.
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Adekunle Aromolaran Wife
Oba Adekunle Aromolaran had multiple wives. His second wife, Alhaja Risikat Aromolaran, passed away and was buried in September 2022. She was a respected member of the royal household, and her death was a significant loss for the Ijesaland community.
Adekunle Aromolaran Tribe
Adekunle Aromolaran belonged to the Yoruba tribe, specifically the Ijesa sub-group, and served as the paramount ruler of Ijesaland in Osun State.
Adekunle Aromolaran Net Worth
Oba Adekunle Aromolaran’s exact net worth is unknown, but estimates suggest it could be between $10 million and $20 million. His wealth came from personal assets, land, business interests, and his successful career, including founding Aromolaran Publishing Company and writing over 100 educational books.
Adekunle Aromolaran Social Media Handles
Oba Adekunle Aromolaran maintained a presence on social media, where updates about his activities were shared. Additionally, his published works, including The Head That Wears the Crown, can be accessed on Google Books.
Facebook: Owa Obokun of Ijesa Land (HRM Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II)
Adekunle Aromolaran Books
Oba Adekunle Aromolaran was a distinguished author who contributed extensively to educational literature. Since ascending the throne, he authored and published 14 educational books. Here is a detailed list of his works:
- Ajibogun (1150-1255)
- Awoka Okile (1260-1358)
- Obarabaralokun (1360-1459)
- Owari (1466-1520)
- Owaluse (1522-1526)
- Atakunmosa (1526-1546)
- Oge (1572-1587)
- Biilayi Arere (1588-1590)
- Yeye Ladegba (1646-1652)
- Yeye Gurogbo (1652-1653)
- Biiladu I (1653-1681)
- Biiladu IIBiilaro (1681-1690)
- Wayero I (1691-1692)
- Wayero II (1692-1693)
- Wayero III (1698-1712)
- Biilagbayo (1713-1733)
- Ori Abejoye (1734-1749)
- Biilajagodo (1749-1771)
- Biilatutu (1772-1776)
- Biilasa (1776-1778)
- Akesan (1789-1795)
- Biilajara (1796-1803)
- Odundun (1804-1814)
- Obara (1814-1832)
- Gbegba Aje (1832-1846)
- Ofokutu (1846-1858)
- Aponlese (1858-1867)
- Alobe (1867-1868)
- Agunlejika I (1868-1869)
- Oweweniye (1869-1874)
- Bepo (1875-1893)
- Alowolodu (1894-1895)
- Ajimoko I (1896-1901)
- Atayero (1902-1920)
- Aromolaran I (1920-1942)
- Ajimoko II (1942-1956)
- Ogunmokun (1957-1963)
- Agunlejika II (1966-1981)
- Aromolaran II (1982 – to date).