There were no signs that something ominous would happen that day. No foreboding of any sort. For me, Thursday, August 1, 2024, began like any other day. I woke up feeling healthy and sound, grateful to my Maker for allowing me to see the dawn of another day.
However, to my shock, in the eerie hours of that Thursday, news filtered in that the highly revered paramount ruler of my town, Idanre in Ondo State, Oba Fredrick Adegunle Aroloye, Arubiefin IV, the Owa of Idanreland, had gone to join his ancestors. For 30 minutes, I was dumbstruck, bewildered, and speechless. I couldn’t accept that my Owa had passed on to the world beyond. Just like that!
When I regained my composure, sweet memories of my beloved Kabiyesi began to reel through my mind. He was everything to me—a steadfast figure in my life, especially during my 32 remarkable years with the Tribune Group of Newspapers, years marked by both triumphs and trials. Through the ups and downs, God proved Himself mighty, and Kabiyesi was a rock for me.
I vividly remember the day I launched my first memoir in 1998. Kabiyesi traveled all the way from Idanre to Ibadan, accompanied by a retinue of his senior Chiefs, and stayed throughout the programme to honor me. What he said and did that day will stay with me until my last breath.
His love and affection for me went beyond that of a ruler for his subject; it was akin to the unwavering filial love a father has for a biological son in whom he is well pleased. He crowned this affection when he honored me with the traditional title of Ajagunla of Idanreland. He explained that he had been following my travails and achievements in the Nigerian Tribune, and that my victories over physical and spiritual battles called for a significant celebration.
Oba Aroloye was an extraordinary man of valor, piety, and integrity. These attributes were evident throughout his 48-year reign. He welcomed all—both young and old—with agape love. Even in his old age, he attended social and political events with vigor and affection. His reign was peaceful and marked by numerous monumental achievements, most notably putting Idanre on the world map.
Above all, from his first day on the throne, he made God his rock and pillar of support. Until his passing, his daily ritual, especially at dawn, included waking his Oloris (Queens) and other members of the royal household at 5 a.m. for early morning prayers before any other activities. No day ended without evening prayers. His devotion to God was unparalleled. He served God so fervently that a church was built in his honor. My King also had a deep love for church hymns and was never short of songs of praise to his Maker, no matter the situation. If you called him the King David of his time, you would not be exaggerating.
Indeed, Oba Fredrick Adegunle Aroloye, Arubiefin IV, the Owa of Idanreland, knew and served his God. And doesn’t the Bible say that those who know their God will be strong and do exploits? (Daniel 11:32). The departed Owa of Idanre knew his God and did exploits, leaving giant footprints on the sands of time.
As the heavens open their arms to welcome Oba Fredrick Adegunle Aroloye, Arubiefin IV, to paradise—God’s abode, where there is no pain or sorrow, where there is everlasting joy, eternal celebration, and endless worship of God—I have no doubt in my mind that the Owa of Idanre is happy and blissfully singing HALLELUJAH with the Angels.
Indeed, heaven’s gain is our earthly loss. Yes, Oba Aroloye was 102 years old when he joined his ancestors on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Yes, the late Owa of Idanre was the longest-ruling monarch in Ondo State, having ruled for 48 years after ascending the throne in 1976. But despite his longevity, his passing is a significant blow to me. I will miss him sorely. Rest in perfect peace, my King.
**Folu Olamiti is the publisher of Newspot Online and former Editor of Sunday Tribune, as well as Executive Director of the Nigerian Tribune Group of Newspapers. Prior to establishing Newspot, he served as Resident Consultant, Media and Publicity, at the anti-graft agency ICPC, and as immediate past Chairman of the Board of Management Advent Cable Network Nigeria Television (ACNNTV).
