The Kwara State government on Monday, confirmed the death of the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Sikiru Atanda Woleola (Ilufemiloye II).
The demise of the first class traditional ruler was confirmed in a condolence message by the state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq which was signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The Governor described the late monarch as a great man, a lover of his people, and an inimitable king whose disposition to peace is unparalleled.
According to the statement, the revered traditional ruler died on Sunday, confirming an earlier report by Naija News on the passing away of the monarch.
The statement reads: “Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has commiserated with the state’s traditional institution and the people of Ajase-Ipo of Irepodun local government area on the passage of the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Sikiru Atanda Woleola (Ilufemiloye II).
“His Excellency the Governor received the news of the passage on Sunday night of his Royal Highness the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo with sadness and equanimity as we are constantly subject to the will of the Almighty Allaah.
The Olupo was a great man, a lover of his people, and an inimitable king under whom his people and community blossomed. His disposition to peace, harmony and development explains the love and wide acceptance he enjoyed from far and wide as a monarch.”
“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, the Governor commiserates with the Kwara State Council of Chiefs led by his Royal Highness the Emir of Ilorin, the Irepodun Traditional Council, the people of Ajase-Ipo, the immediate and extended royal families of the ancient town, and friends and associates of the Olupo on this sad development. He prays the Almighty Allaah to repose the soul of the monarch, and grant the community the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Naija News reports that Oba Woleola, the 15th Olupo of Ajase-Ipo ascended the throne of his forefathers in 2009 and died after 12 years of peaceful reign.
Until his demise, Oba Woleola was the Chairman of Igbomina Traditional Council in Kwara South.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government, on Monday, disclosed that the 10 schools closed following the Hijab controversy in Ilorin, the state capital remain closed.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq administration said the decision was reached pending the outcome of the State Government consultations with stakeholders on the use of Hijab in schools.
The state government in a statement released through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Jibril, said the decision is to avert any breakdown of law and order.
Jibril called on the people of Kwara State to remain calm and peaceful.