The Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile in Osun State, Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, has died at the age of 85 after reigning for 21 years.
Drivetvnews gathered that his death was announced on Friday by the Obaala of Imesi-Ile and Chairman of the Owa-Ooye-in-Council, High Chief Tunde Aluko, in a statement issued on behalf of the royal council and the community.
The statement said the monarch, also known as Oba Oyoyo II, died on Friday, October 16, 2026, describing him as a father figure whose reign promoted peace, unity and development in Imesi-Ile.
The royal council added that details of the traditional rites and burial arrangements would be announced by the royal family and the council in due course.
In a separate statement, the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association expressed condolences to the royal family and the entire community, describing the late monarch as a respected traditional ruler who contributed significantly to the town’s development.
The association, through its President, Samuel Agbeluyi, and General Secretary, Sola Oluwadare, praised his developmental initiatives, relationships with successive governments and commitment to preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
It also highlighted his role in promoting the historical significance of Imesi-Ile, particularly the growing international recognition of the Kiriji War celebration. According to the association, the recent celebration was among the monarch’s final major public appearances.
The association announced the suspension of all major public outings until further notice in honour of the late ruler and in deference to traditional rites. It also urged indigenes, friends and well-wishers to pray for the bereaved family and the community.
The monarch, affectionately known as Baba Daadaa, was expected to celebrate his 86th birthday next month.
Reacting to his death, the Baba Egbe Odo of Ijana Methodist Church, Imesi-Ile, Chief Olusola Fabiyi, described the loss as a major blow to the town.
Fabiyi said the monarch had not been ill and was still attending meetings with chiefs and associates until Thursday evening. He added that the late ruler was widely loved and had contributed greatly to the community’s progress.
The monarch’s death has left the royal family, the traditional council and residents of Imesi-Ile mourning a ruler remembered for his contributions to development, communal harmony and cultural preservation.
