Ijesaland in Mourning as Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile Passes at 85

The ancient town of Imesi-Ile in Osun State has been thrown into mourning following the passing of its revered traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile.

The monarch, popularly known as Baba Daadaa, joined his ancestors on Friday, 16th October, 2026, at the age of 85, after a 21-year reign on the throne. He would have celebrated his 86th birthday next month.

His transition was announced in a statement issued by the Obaala of Imesi-Ile and Chairman of the Owa-Ooye-in-Council, High Chief Tunde Aluko, on behalf of the royal council and the community.

The statement read, “With deep sorrow but total submission to the will of Almighty God, we announce the transition to glory of our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Ademola Enoch Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile. Kabiyesi joined his ancestors today, Friday, 16th October, 2026. He was a father to all, a symbol of peace, unity and development, whose reign brought honour and progress to Imesi-Ile land.”

High Chief Aluko added that traditional rites and burial arrangements would be announced by the royal family and the Owa-Ooye-in-Council in due course.

It was gathered that traditional rites were scheduled to commence on Friday night in accordance with the customs and traditions of Imesi-Ile.

In a separate statement, the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association expressed condolences to the royal family and the community, describing the late monarch as a revered traditional ruler whose reign contributed significantly to the town’s growth.

The statement, signed by the association’s President, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, and General Secretary, Mr Sola Oluwadare, read, “IPA honours the enduring legacy of our departed monarch, particularly his remarkable developmental initiatives, cordial relationship with successive governments, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of Imesi-Ile’s rich cultural heritage.”

The association noted that his leadership fostered communal harmony and strengthened relationships among residents.

It also highlighted his contributions to preserving the town’s cultural identity and promoting its historical significance, particularly through support for the growing international recognition of the Kiriji War celebration. According to the association, the recent Kiriji celebration was particularly significant as it marked one of the monarch’s last major public outings.

The IPA announced the suspension of all its major public outings until further notice in deference to traditional rites and in honour of the late monarch.

Commenting on the death, the Baba Egbe Odo of Ijana Methodist Church, Imesi-Ile, Chief Olusola Fabiyi, described the demise of the revered Oba as a huge loss to the town. He said, “Kabiyesi was not sick. He still held meetings with chiefs, and even associates till late evening on Thursday. He was still in Osogbo the same day. He was loved. He did a lot for the town. His reign witnessed a lot of progress. We pray that his soul rest in peace.”

Also mourning the monarch, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, described his death as a monumental loss to Ijesaland, Osun State and Nigeria at large.

In a statement signed by his Head of Media and Public Enlightenment, Omole Olusegun, the lawmaker said, “It is a big loss to us in Ijesha land, the state, and the nation. We can only console the family and the industrious people he led, and mourn him gracefully because he came, he saw, and he conquered.”