Oba Mekunnu, Owolabi Salis, a prominent politician and lawyer, has extended his condolences to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Ijeshaland following the death of the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.
Salis, who holds titles including Olori Eyo Alagere of Lagos, Jagun Bashorun of Ibadanland, and Akinyegun of Owu, described Oba Aromolaran’s passing as the end of an era. He expressed deep sorrow at the loss, emphasizing his connection to the late Oba as a traditional High Chief, a Yoruba son, and an advocate of African traditional royalty.
He specifically honored Chief Jumoke Ogunkeyede and other distinguished Ijesha figures, such as Engineer Osho, Madam Iyanda, and Barrister Fashakin, who contributed to the struggle for liberty during Nigeria’s military era.
Salis noted the Oba’s influence on him personally, particularly in his academic journey. He reminisced about how Oba Aromolaran’s publishing company, Aromolaran Publishers, and the Oba’s own writings, including his popular Economics book, had a significant impact on students and contributed to his educational development.
He highlighted that the late Oba’s efforts in educational advancement and his engagement with the Yoruba diaspora in the US and Europe were pivotal. Salis emphasized the Oba’s role in shaping the educational landscape for youth, noting that this aspect of his legacy deserved more recognition in the tributes being paid to him.