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The Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile in Osun State, Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, has died at the age of 85 after spending 21 years on the throne.
The traditional ruler reportedly died on Friday, October 16, 2026, with his death 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 described the late monarch as a father to all and a symbol of peace, unity and development whose reign brought honour and progress to Imesi-Ile.
“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,” the statement read.
The royal council added that the monarch had joined his ancestors on October 16, noting that details of the traditional rites and burial arrangements would be announced by the royal family and the council in due course.
His death has thrown the community into mourning, with residents and groups paying tribute to his leadership and contributions to the development of the ancient town.
Monarch remembered for peace, development
In a separate statement, the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA) expressed condolences to the royal family and the entire community, describing the deceased as a revered traditional ruler whose reign contributed significantly to the town’s development.
The statement, signed by the association’s President, Samuel Agbeluyi, and General Secretary, Sola Oluwadare, highlighted the monarch’s developmental initiatives, cordial relationships with successive governments and commitment to preserving Imesi-Ile’s cultural heritage.
According to the association, Oba Akinyemi’s leadership promoted peace, stability and communal harmony while strengthening relationships among residents.
The association also commended his efforts to preserve the town’s historical identity, particularly his involvement in the campaign to secure international recognition for the Kiriji War celebration.
It said Imesi-Ile experienced peace, stability and considerable development during his reign, adding that his leadership created an atmosphere conducive to communal harmony and collective progress.
The IPA described the recent Kiriji celebration as particularly significant because it marked one of the monarch’s final major public appearances.
Following his death, the association announced the suspension of all its major public outings until further notice in honour of the late ruler and in deference to traditional rites.
Community mourns sudden death
Reacting to the development, the Baba Egbe Odo of Ijana Methodist Church, Imesi-Ile, Chief Olusola Fabiyi, described the monarch’s death as a major loss to the community.
Fabiyi said the monarch had not appeared to be ill and was still carrying out his regular activities shortly before his death.
According to him, Oba Akinyemi held meetings with chiefs and associates until late Thursday evening and was also in Osogbo on the same day.
“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,” Fabiyi said.
He described the monarch as a widely loved traditional ruler whose reign brought significant progress to Imesi-Ile.
“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,” he added.
The Imesi-Ile Progressive Association called on indigenes, friends of the town and well-wishers to pray for the community and the bereaved royal family as they mourn the monarch.
The royal family and the Owa-Ooye-in-Council are expected to announce further details concerning the traditional rites and burial arrangements in due course.
Oba Akinyemi is being remembered for his contributions to peace, community development and the preservation of Imesi-Ile’s cultural heritage during his 21-year reign.
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