The Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship candidate in the 2019 election in Lagos State, Chief Owolabi Salis, has expressed his condolences to the governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, and the people of the state over the death of Owa Obokun Ijeshaland Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.
The Lagos-based politician, popularly known as Oba Mekunu, described the monarch’s passing as the end of an era marked by wisdom, tradition and leadership.
Salis said he was saddened by the loss of the traditional ruler, whom he described as an advocate of Yoruba culture, but also because of his strong relationships with many distinguished Ijesha individuals.
He noted the late Oba’s strong connection with the Nigerian diaspora, particularly with Nigerian Americans and European returnees, emphasising the shared royal lineage between Ijesha and Lagosians.
The lawyer also recounted Oba Aromolaran’s significant influence on his academic journey, mainly through the monarch’s publishing company, Aromolaran Publishers.
Salis, who ran for governorship as the candidate of the Alliance For Democracy party in Lagos State in 2019, praised the monarch’s commitment to education, noting that his books, mainly on economics, shaped the minds of many students, including himself.
He stated, “Oba Aromolaran’s contributions to educational development were substantial yet often overlooked in tributes.
“During my early years in secondary school, Oba Aromolaran had a significant impact on my education and the broader student population through his publishing company, Aromolaran Publishers. The books from his company were popular among students, including those authored by Owa Obokun himself, such as his well-liked book on Economics.
“The books, which were expertly written and skillfully tailored to the student’s needs, were considered a must-read by my fellow students in those days. This memory of the great Oba is my earliest, and it’s in this sense that the Adimula will be remembered as a leading figure who, during his glorious life, contributed the most through his tireless devotion to shaping the youth towards the noble goal of educational excellence.’’
