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By Zika Bobby
Politician and lawyer, Owolabi Salis, has commiserated with the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and the people of Ijeshaland over the demise of the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, the Owa Obokun, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.
Salis, who is the Olori Eyo Alagere of Lagos, Jagun Bashorun of Ibadanland and the Akinyegun of Owu, described the passing of the Oba as the end of an era.
“Allow me to express at this juncture that by his passing, I felt a great sense of loss, not only as a traditional High Chief, a Yoruba son and ardent lover of tradition and culture, and staunch supporter of the African traditional royalty, but also because of quite a lot of distinguished Ijesha sons, whom I am privileged to have as friends and associates.”
Going down the memory lane, Salis recalled that during his years in secondary school, Oba Aromolaran, had a tremendous influence in his education through his publishing company, Aromolaran Publishers, whose books were very popular among students, as well as books personally authored by the late Owa Obokun himself, which included his very popular book on economics.
“I have deliberately made mention of this point because going through the tributes being rendered in his honour, I am yet to come by any reference to this highly important aspect of his contribution to the educational upliftment of youths, who are often and rightfully regarded as leaders of tomorrow. To rob him of this important aspect of his contribution to humanity would be a disservice to his legacy,” he said.
He further described the departed royal father as a unifying symbol and man of peace, whose dignified carriage and royal comportment were salient sterling qualities, which not only set him apart, but also made him an exemplary model worthy of emulation by others.
On the issue of succession, he urged the kingmakers to look outward to the Ijesha Diaspora, like Osho, one of the best engineers in New York or Ijesha Lagosians, who he said could bring great values to the ancient town.
