Deaths among Oyo kings hit 8 as Onijeru dies in Ogbomoso

By Sunday ADEPOJU

As death ravages the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, another prominent traditional ruler, Onijeru of Ijeru in Ogbomoso South local government area, Oba Elijah Olaniyi Popoola, has died, making the toll eight in a row.

He died on Friday at the age of 85 after a brief illness.

He ascended the throne of his forefathers in 2008.

The multiple deaths of the eight traditional rulers, including first class obas have raised serious concerns.

In November last year, the Onigbeti of Igbeti from Oke-Ogun axis, Oba Emmanuel Oyebisi, joined his ancestors.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, transited to the great beyond on December 12, 2021. Later, the Asigangan of Igangan in Ibarapa zone, died on December 21, 2021.

The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday, January 2, 2022 and followed by the death of the Oloko of Oko-Ile in Oriire local government area, Oba Gabriel Adepoju, on January 30, 2022.

Then came the turn of the Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, Oba Abdulyekeen Ayinla, on April 7 this year.

On Friday, April 23 this year, another bombshell fell when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, joined his ancestors.

With the addition of Oba Popoola, the number of traditional rulers that have died between 2021 and 2022 is 8, including the three imperial majesties.

Historically, Onijeru (Onshile) was among the five settlers that were said to have formed “Egbe Alongo” (Alongo Society), headed by the first Soun of Ogbomoso, Ogunlola, over 300 years ago.

Other members of the society were Aale (Aale of Okeelerin), Akandie and Orisatolu (Onisapa).

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