Aromolaran: Exit of don and monarch

He rode to stardom as a scholar-prince; a university teacher and researcher, and an investor and captain of industry.

A cosmopolitan figure, he nevertheless, maintained an emotional attachment to his Ijesa roots while climbing the hierarchical ladder in the ivory towers and the civil service.

At home and abroad, Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was perceived as a man of the future. When his time finally came, the handsome millionaire prince, already a household name in Ilesa, the traditional headquarters of Ijesa Kingdom, fulfilled his destiny.

He mounted the prestigious throne of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland with pride, in succession to Alayeluwa Adeniran Agunlejika (1912-1981), who joined his ancestors at a ripe age.

The staff of office was presented to him by former Governor Bola Ige, a native of Esa-Oke, the birthplace of Aromolaran’s mother, the late Madam Tinuola.

That was in 1982. Since then, Ilesa has been on the path of steady growth, waxing stronger as a commercial town, attracting people from far and near, and reaping the benefits of urbanisation.

Two days ago, Oba Aromolaran answered the call of his creator, leaving behind the chiefs, led by Obanla Ogedengbe, and Ogboni Ipole, whose sudden presence at the ancient palace, announced the heroic passage. He was 86.  It was the end of an era.

The late Owa left behind a prosperous mega town, a land reputed for commerce where the Osomaalo of yore thrived, a university community, and a land of potential and prosperity.

Oba Aromolaran left behind a united town. But, not all his dreams were fulfilled. He had fought for a state capital when Osun State was carved out of the old Oyo State.

It was elusive. He also agitated for an Ijesa state, believing that Ijesa towns and contiguous Ekiti communities sharing borders with Ijesaland could make the state. All these were not realised.

But, townspeople commended him for his efforts in consistently articulating the interest of Ilesa for 42 years.

Highly sagacious, Oba Aromolaran, with his unique dress sense, was regalling on the throne. He was full of honour and influence.

He prided himself as the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, and his claim enjoyed the support of history.

Oba Aromolaran was conscious of the contributions of his illustrious predecessors, particularly the wealthy Oba Hasstrup Ajimoko 1 and 11, and Owa Agunlegika, who served as the Ijesa bridge to modernity. His priority was how to build on their feats, thereby elevating the throne of his forebears.

The deceased monarch guarded his ‘kingdom’ jealously. He maintained links with all Ijesa towns and villages, including Ifewara and Ifetedo, where some Ijesa elders sojourned in the days of war.

It was often said that owa of olden days maintained the habit of sending messengers to these Ilesa elders who founded the two communities to tap from their experience and knowledge during difficult times.

Oba Aromolaran had a premonition that he would be king right from youth. Therefore, he prepared himself ahead of time. He imbibed good character as a student and integrity as a worker.

He ultimately became the scion of the royal household of Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran into which he was born on October 13, 1937.

Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran reigned between July 1920 and July 31, 1942).

He started his primary school at Otapete Methodist School, Ilesa, before going to Agbeni Methodist School, Oke Ado Ibadan. Oba Aromolaran attended Ilesa Grammar School and became a teacher.

He later attended  Wesley College, Elekuro, Ibadan, a Teachers’ Training College.

He was also at Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State, where the popular Oyewole princes, Femi and Dotun Oyewole, were his tutors.

But, the turning point was his entry into the University College, Ibadan (UCI), an affiliate of the University of London, where he obtained a B.Sc. Degree in Economics in 1964. Only a few people had the privilege of attending university in those days.

In 1965, Oba Aromolaran earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Ife, then located at Ibadan.

He later attended a management course at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania, in the United States, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Mathematical Economics.

He capped it with a PhD in Development Economics under the supervision of Prof Samson Olayide, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

He was a research fellow at the University of London.

Oba Aromolaran became a technocrat when he joined the civil service of the old Western Region.

He served in various capacities, rising to the position of a Deputy Permanent Secretary.

He later ventured into private business.

Oba Aromolaran established the Aromolaran Publishing Company Limited in Ibadan on December 1, 1971.

The company was a huge success. It had branches in Ghana, Sierra Leone, London and New York (USA).

A reputable author and published, Oba Aromolaran as a reputable Publisher, he wrote many books that were used in primary, secondary and university.

In 1966, he published his first book,’ Economics for West Africa, ‘ in collaboration with his friends, Alabi Ogun and Areoye Oyebola, a former Daily Times Editor who later served as commissioner in Western State.

A scholar of international standards, he also contributed to learned journals at home and abroad.

One of the famous economic books he co-authored with his colleague, Hansen, is still a must-read. He was an Examiner for General Certificate Education (GCE) Advanced Level Economics for West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana.’

Oba Aromolaran was the Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State of Nigeria from 2002 to 2014, which conferred on him the LLD Degree (Honoris Causa). He served as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers and the President of Ijesa Traditional Council comprising the 12 local governments in Ijesaland. He was also the prescribed and consenting authority over all chieftaincies in Ijesaland.

Under him, Ilesa expanded. It became a university town as the College of Education was upgraded. Industries, including the brewery, also sprang up. The trio of Ajanaku, Omole and S.B. Bakare contributed to the development of the city.

The federal government conferred on him the honour of Commander of the Order of Federal Republic  (CFR).

Culled from The Nation