Words offered in honour of Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, PhD, CFR, LLD—remembering his scholarship, courage, leadership and four decades of service to Ijesaland.
This growing record preserves public tributes issued after his passing on 11 September 2024. Each entry identifies the speaker or institution and the date of the remembrance.
13 October 1937 – 11 September 2024
On the 89th anniversary of his birth, the memorial honours Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, PhD, CFR, LLD, as a scholar, author, publisher and devoted traditional ruler. His life of education, cultural stewardship and service to Ijesaland continues to inspire the generations that follow.
A remembrance by Chief Yinka Fasuyi, Asiwaju of Ijesaland
Chief Fasuyi reflected on a reign whose legacy remained visible in education, infrastructure, healthcare, culture and the social cohesion of Ijesaland. He argued that the finest tribute was not remembrance alone, but continuing the collective work of building the land the monarch served.
Read the authored remembrance ↗President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
President Tinubu remembered a monarch who “kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics,” defended justice and fairness, supported national unity, and protected vulnerable people from exploitation. He also emphasised the lasting educational value of the Oba’s books.
Governor of Osun State
Governor Adeleke described him as a father figure, pillar of support and teacher, praising his boldness, candour, literary energy and unwavering concern for the development of Ijesaland and Osun State.
Read the official statement ↗Then Governor of Edo State
Governor Obaseki mourned an illustrious Yoruba leader and consummate intellectual whose 42-year reign brought progress to Ijesaland. He remembered a peace-loving, compassionate, cerebral and brave monarch devoted to truth, justice and the development of his people and country.
Read the published statement ↗Asiwaju of Ijesaland
“An era comes to an abrupt end.” Chief Fasuyi marked the close of a monumental 42-year reign and saluted the monarch as a torch-bearer of Oduduwa, an intellectual pride of Yoruba traditional leadership and an enduring symbol of Ijesaland.
Former Vice President of Nigeria
“The late Owa was more than a father-in-law to me.” Atiku recalled the monarch’s fatherly warmth and the welcome he received as a son, describing him as an embodiment of the courage, boldness and discipline of the Ijesa people.
Former President of Nigeria
Chief Obasanjo honoured him as “a patriot and a custodian of cultural and traditional values” whose writing never lost its force. He highlighted the monarch’s authorship, publishing enterprise and wise counsel at a consequential time in national life.
Former Governor of Osun State
Prince Oyinlola remembered Oba Aromolaran II as “a national treasure” and recalled a father-son relationship that lasted more than 30 years. He said the Oba gave his people love and leadership and left standards by which future occupants of the throne would be measured.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; former Governor of Osun State
Oyetola described the late Owa as an embodiment of royalty whose brilliance, bravery, integrity and dignity commanded admiration. He said the monarch’s 42-year reign brought development and that his valour, commitment and love for humanity would be remembered.
Senator and former Governor of Abia State
Senator Kalu described him as a patriotic statesman and detribalised Nigerian who advanced peace and unity, served his people selflessly and contributed to the country’s social, economic and political development.
Former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior
Aregbesola called his passing “the end of an inimitable and unforgettable era.” He remembered a highly educated, wise and dignified monarch who elevated the throne, and a father, life coach and adviser throughout his years as governor.
Governor of Ekiti State
Governor Oyebanji described him as an educationist, father figure, peacemaker, nation-builder and repository of history and knowledge. He said the Oba’s worthy legacies would benefit generations yet unborn.
Read the official statement ↗Former Governor of Ekiti State
Dr Fayemi remembered a reign marked by peace, security and coexistence, as well as an educator whose economics texts influenced generations. He recalled the monarch’s wisdom, patriotism, justice and concern for his people.
Development Agenda for Western Nigeria
The Commission saluted Nigeria’s first PhD-holding monarch as a scholar, entrepreneur, visionary and unifier whose life redefined royalty and leadership. Its farewell emphasised an intellectual and developmental legacy that reached well beyond the palace.
Read the institutional farewell ↗Ataoja of Osogbo
The Ataoja sent a royal delegation to Ilesa with his deepest sympathy and prayers for the traditional rulers, chiefs, Oloris, the royal family and the entire people of Ijesaland.
Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa
Oba Ajayi remembered Oba Aromolaran II as his mentor in cultural and traditional affairs and praised the late Owa’s educational influence, fatherly support and commitment to unity.
Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland
Iba Adams said Yorubaland had lost an illustrious son: a great monarch, teacher and manager of people, a repository of knowledge and custodian of Yoruba culture. He also remembered his advocacy for justice and fairness and his protection of vulnerable people.
Led by Grand Imam Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Idris Bakare
The delegation offered prayers and condolences to the royal family and Ijesa people, remembering the monarch’s contribution to community development and the national reverence earned during his reign.
Houston Chapter, United States
The Houston community remembered a patriot, guardian of culture and advocate of peace, unity and progress. Its message also celebrated his lifelong writing and the educational reach of Aromolaran Publishers.
Speaker, House of Representatives
Speaker Abbas remembered one of Nigeria’s most highly educated traditional rulers and the author of widely used textbooks. He described Oba Aromolaran as a great king who made remarkable contributions before and throughout his reign.
Lawyer, traditional title-holder and public figure
Salis remembered a peaceful, progressive and unifying monarch whose economics books shaped his own education. He credited the Oba with strengthening scholarship and bringing modern development to traditional leadership.
Led by Oba Olabode Owofade, Olumelu of Imelu
The ruling house said his passing marked the end of an era and remembered the late Owa for his bravery, generosity and humour.
Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa
The Ajalaye remembered Oba Aromolaran II as a ruler who stood for truth and as a tried-and-tested model of traditional leadership.
Oloja of Ibodi-Ijesa
The Oloja said the monarch left a lasting legacy and established a record of progress in the history of Ijesaland.
Owa Bilaro Ruling House
The family honoured a 42-year reign associated with peace, stability, advancement and prosperity. Its remembrance highlighted life-changing projects, the development of human capital and the elevation of Ilesa as a university town.
General Overseer, Great Tabernacle Miracle Church of God
Prophet Adeniran remembered a wise and elegant ruler with a strong passion for the development of Ijesaland, Osun State and Nigeria, praising the boldness and literary energy evident across his 42-year reign.
Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa
The Owaloko expressed deep sorrow on behalf of Iloko-Ijesa and offered condolences to the Owa-in-Council, the royal family and the entire people of Ijesaland.
Bobajiro of Ilesa and founder, Ijesaland Development Foundation
Chief Falobi’s extended remembrance traced nearly three decades of personal encounters. He recalled the Oba’s support for industrialisation, unity, economic development and the Methodist Church, alongside his warmth, humour, mentoring and fatherly counsel.
Read the personal tribute ↗Federal Republic of Nigeria
On resuming from recess, the House formally extended condolences to the royal family and acknowledged Oba Aromolaran among prominent Nigerians whose passing the nation mourned, affirming that his legacy endures in the hearts of his people.
Read the official proceedings ↗Represented by Sir (Prince) Adegoke Arimoro
The lineage said it was proud of the late monarch’s achievements and pledged to help sustain and raise the standard of the work he left behind.
Led by Vice-Chancellor Rt Rev Prof Obeka and Archbishop Amos Akindeko
University leaders, Methodist clergy, staff and students paid a collective condolence visit, remembering the late Owa’s longstanding relationship with the Methodist community and his engagement with education and healthcare in Ijesaland.
No tributes are available in this category yet.