Imesi-Ile in Osun State is mourning the death of its traditional ruler, Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, who died aged 85 after 21 years on the throne.
Royal council confirms monarch’s death
Oba Akinyemi, also known as Oyoyo II, died on Friday, October 16, 2026. The announcement was made by High Chief Tunde Aluko, the Obaala of Imesi-Ile and chairman of the Owa-Ooye-in-Council, acting for the royal council and the community.
The council portrayed the late king as a unifying figure, fatherly presence and advocate of peace whose tenure brought recognition and advancement to Imesi-Ile.
“With profound grief, but complete submission to the will of Almighty God, we announce the transition to glory of our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Ademola Enoch Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile,” the statement said.
The council said the monarch had passed on to join his ancestors on October 16, adding that the royal family and traditional authorities would later disclose arrangements for customary rites and burial.
Community group cites development and cultural legacy
The Imesi-Ile Progressive Association, known as IPA, extended its sympathies to the royal family and residents, describing Oba Akinyemi as a highly respected ruler whose reign made an important contribution to the town’s growth.
In a statement signed by President Samuel Agbeluyi and General Secretary Sola Oluwadare, the association pointed to several aspects of the monarch’s record:
- Development-focused projects and initiatives in Imesi-Ile;
- Constructive ties with successive governments;
- Efforts to protect the community’s traditions and historical heritage;
- Leadership that fostered stability, peace and closer relations among residents; and
- A campaign for international recognition of the Kiriji War celebration.
The group said the town experienced peace, stability and exceptional development during his reign, creating conditions that supported cooperation, collective progress and community harmony.
It added that the most recent Kiriji celebration carried particular significance because it was among the ruler’s last major appearances in public.
Following the monarch’s death, the IPA said it had put all major public events on hold until further notice, both as a tribute to him and out of respect for the traditional processes now under way.
Tributes follow unexpected death
Chief Olusola Fabiyi, Baba Egbe Odo of Ijana Methodist Church in Imesi-Ile, called the death a substantial loss to the community. He said the ruler had not shown signs of illness and had continued with his normal engagements shortly before his death.
Fabiyi said Oba Akinyemi had met with chiefs and associates until late on Thursday evening and had also been in Osogbo that day.
“Kabiyesi was not ill. He continued to hold meetings with chiefs and associates late into Thursday evening, and he was in Osogbo the same day,” Fabiyi said. “He was loved and achieved much for the town. There was considerable progress during his reign. We pray for the repose of his soul.”
The association urged Imesi-Ile indigenes, friends of the town and other well-wishers to offer prayers for the community and the bereaved royal family, as residents reflect on a monarch remembered for promoting development, social peace and cultural preservation.
