Kwara’s monarch, Oba Ibitoye dies at 65
A front line traditional ruler in Kwara State, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye is dead.
Aged 65, Oba Ibitoye was said to have died in the early hours of yesterday after a brief illness.
The Petu of Omu-Aran, Chief Festus Awoniyi, confirmed the death of the monarch shortly after a meeting of the Olomu-in-council yesterday in Omu-Aran.
Awoniyi said some traditional rites were carried out before the monarch’s demise was made public.
He said the Elemosho of Omu-Aran, Chef Jimoh Olaiya and his team had been instructed to announce and move round to clear the markets as a mark of tradition.
Awoniyi said a curfew has also been imposed between 9pm and 5am starting from yesterday.
“We have just finished our meeting at the palace where the news of Olomu’s demise was officially broken.
“There should be no buying and selling for three consecutive market days and a curfew has been imposed as a mark of honour for the late Olomu,” he said.
Oba Ibitoye, who hailed from Ikoja compound in the town and from the Ijawusi ruling house, ascended the throne in January, 1993, after the death of Oba Suleiman Durotoye Abegunde.
The monarch is survived by his wife, Olori Omowumi Ibitoye and four children.
Meanwhile, Chief Jide Adebayo, a former NAN Executive Director and a community leader, in his condolence message said Ibitoye would be missed for his exemplary leadership style.