IPA Mourns Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Celebrates His Legacy of Peace and Development

 

The Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA) has expressed profound grief over the passing of the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, describing his transition as a monumental loss to the ancient town and its people.

In a condolence statement dated October 16, 2026, and jointly signed by the association’s President, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, mni, and General Secretary, Mr Sola Oluwadare, the National Executive Committee (NEC) said it received the news of the monarch’s passing with heavy hearts but in submission to the will of Olódùmarè.

The association noted that the Obaala of Imesi-Ile and Chairman of the Owa-Ooye-in-Council, High Chief Tunde Aluko, had earlier announced the monarch’s transition on behalf of the council and the entire Imesi-Ile community.

The late monarch, fondly known as Baba Daadaa, reigned for 21 years and would have celebrated his 86th birthday next month.

IPA paid tribute to the late traditional ruler’s contributions to the development of Imesi-Ile, particularly his commitment to peace, communal harmony, cordial relations with successive governments and the preservation of the town’s cultural heritage.

According to the association, the monarch’s reign provided an atmosphere conducive to stability, development and collective progress, with several initiatives contributing to the town’s growth and strengthening relationships among residents.

The association also highlighted the monarch’s role in promoting Imesi-Ile’s historical identity, particularly his support for the growing recognition of the Kiriji War celebration, which has continued to draw attention to the town’s historical significance.

IPA described the recent Kiriji celebration as particularly significant, noting that it was among the monarch’s last major public outings.

As Imesi-Ile mourns the revered monarch, the association called on indigenes, friends of the town and well-wishers to pray for the community, the Owa-Ooye-in-Council and the immediate family of the deceased during this difficult period.

In honour of the late monarch and in deference to the town’s traditional rites, IPA announced the suspension of all its major public outings until further notice.

The association added that further information and announcements would be communicated as developments unfold.

The statement concluded with prayers for the peaceful repose of the monarch’s soul and divine comfort for his family, the traditional council and the entire Imesi-Ile community.

“May Olódùmarè grant our Baba’s soul eternal rest and comfort his family, the Owa-Ooye-in-Council and the entire Imesi-Ile community,” the statement read.

It also paid a traditional tribute to the departed monarch: “Káre àkó, Ọmọ Oyoyo, Ọmọ Aróò Yànnàn. Sun re, Baba ria. Káàbìyèsí ooooo!”