THE death has been announced of one of the longest-reigning traditional rulers in Yoruba land, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade II, the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Aged 95, joined his ancestors early today, having been ill in the past few weeks.
Born on May 27, 1926, in Ogbomoso to Oba Bello Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade II and Olori Seliat Olatundun Oyewumi, the Soun reigned for 48 years, having ascended the throne on October 24, 1973.
The formal announcement by the palace is expected to be made later today.
The monarch had remained largely out of public view, and in utmost royal reverence until October last year, when some youths attacked his palace over what they perceived to be his compromised attitude to developments during the nationwide protests that eventually degenerated into violence, especially Lagos, and some parts of the south West.
Some angry youths were said to have besieged the Soun’s palace over his alleged nonchalant attitude to the death of one Isiaka Jimoh, who was shot dead during the EndSARS protest in the town.
The youths in their hundreds were said to have gained entry into the reception room of the king and vandalised all things they saw in the room. They reportedly pelted the bedroom of the monarch with stones breaking the window glasses.
Three of the protesters were reportedly shot dead in the process while others sustained injuries.
Not much was subsequently heard about the case and the monarch until today when his death was announced.
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