By ‘Yemi Adurotoye
It is exactly one year that His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulrafiu Olaniyi Ajiboye Oyelaran I bade this world farewell. March 23, 2024 has come to register itself in the history of Oro’s monarchy as a date never to be forgotten, that was the day the then reigning Oloro of Oro Kingdom changed base from the terrestrial to the celestial.
When the news filtered into town that Oba Ayanda Olaniyikaiye (using his panegyric cognomen) has joined his ancestors, it was indeed a rude shock to many – his subjects, colleague monarchs, government officials, professional associates, friends and admirers. Personally, the shock gripped me that I was unable to pen anything as tribute then; this 365 days after, present the opportunity.
One could say, without mincing words, that he was indeed ‘every inch a king’. Whenever he stepped out, he was usually enrobed with royality; when speaking, he does that with nobility. He was never caught unawares of his monarchical responsibilities as the custodian of his people’s culture and tradition. He ruled Oro kingdom with Solomonic wisdom, promoting peace at all times.
Today, while remembrance prayers were being said simultaneously in designated places in Lagos and Kwara States, one can attest to the fact that he’s being joyfully remembered for the many developmental strides he championed, and for the gallant victories he had in the battles he fought. For the two decades he ruled as monarch, Oloro and Paramount Ruler of Oro Kingdom, all the federated constituent communities in his territory grew geometrically in all ramifications, population surged up, facilities that make life comfortable increased.
It is heart-warming to recall the words of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq when he paid condolence visit to the princes and princesses in the palace on March 28, 2024. He was just returning from a trip, from the airport, rather than going straight to Government House to rest and relax, he took the detour and faced the journey to Oloro’s Palace in Okerimi Oro, the same place he was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Akorede of Oro Kingdom over a year earlier.
In his remarks, the ebullient Governor described the late traditional ruler as a peacemaker, father figure to all and a monarch who was passionate about the development of his people and kingdom. The Kwara No. 1 citizen was full of praises for the late royal father as a king who knew his onions, never found wanting in playing his patriarchal roles even for the officials with civil authorities.
As someone who came to study and understood the many hurdles he faced, the many battles he won and the many triumphs he had; one cannot but praise the Almighty for giving him to Oro Kingdom at the time he reigned. He came, he saw and he conquered, as many wont to say. While he reigned, he did with gut and gumption. He was always blunt when faced with the stark reality of laying out the truth.
He was a leader with great understanding, generously kind-hearted, humble and progressive-minded. He ruled with love and compassion. As space would not permit cataloguing his many achievements in terms of people development and physical environment elevation (history book will surely do that), one can simply say: He was an enigmatic phenomenon. He ruled as father figure to all, who was conscious of the peace building initiative of Kwara State as “State of Harmony,” he would always make efforts bringing to roundtable, warring factions for amicable resolutions.
No one can take it away from late Oba Ajiboye Oyelaran that his dreams for Oro kingdom were largely unfulfilled; simply because they were big dreams, laced with great vision. It is equally worthy to note that fostering united front was one of the tough challenges he had but he was able to entrench unity among his subjects despite the odds. However, if he could look back today, he would definitely shake head over the vicissitudes in the kingdom he left behind. Why? Those challenges are still like recurring decimal. The understanding here is that a man who was hungry and got fed doesn’t stop him from getting hungry again. The solution is that there must be a mechanism of making food available every time, all year round.
It’s just one year that Oba Abdulrafiu Olaniyi Ajiboye Oyelaran I joined his ancestors, but it seems so long a time. Such is the life of great achievers who imprinted their names on golden epitaph of human mind. The remembrance prayers of today ricochet and resonate with the saying: “To live in the hearts of the loved ones is not to die.” Oba Abdulrafiu Olaniyi Ajiboye Oyelaran I was loved in his lifetime; remembered, with memories of warm affection, in his death.
- Adurotoye is a Mediapreneur, Health Information Manager and Public Relations Professional