By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Onimeri of Imeri Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Agbadero Adeniran, has joined his ancestors at the age of 81.
The revered monarch, who served as a pillar of the Imeri community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, reportedly died following a brief illness.
Sources close to the royal family told The Nigerian Monitor that Oba Adeniran was initially admitted to Deborah Hospital in Akure about two weeks ago for an undisclosed illness.
After being discharged, his health was said to have declined again on Wednesday, leading to his readmission.
The source revealed that sadly, he passed away a few hours later, and his remains have since been transported back to Imeri, where preparations for his traditional burial have begun.
Some admirers of the deceased Oba described him as a man of deep cultural pride, faith, and education.
Our correspondent gathered that he was an ardent advocate for education, a skilled singer, and a highly respected figure endowed with native intelligence.
During his lifetime, Oba Adeniran who was a committed Christian, served as an Apostle and later a Senior Apostle in the New Ona Iwa Mimo Onimajemu Cherubim and Seraphim Church worldwide.
He was appointed as a Special Adviser to the Church’s Board of Trustees, and he continued his service to the church up until his passing.
This past February, the Onimeri marked his 81st birthday and his 45th anniversary on the throne in a grand event attended by prominent Ondo State figures, including Dr. Bode Ayorinde, founder of Achievers University, Owo, and Senators Bode Olajumoke and Ipinsagba.
The event, chaired by Dr. Ayorinde and hosted by Senator Olajumoke, marked a significant milestone for the respected ruler, who ascended the throne in 1979 at a young age.
Known for his dedication to the development of Imeri, Oba Adeniran was a prominent member of the Ondo State 130 Crown Obas.
He had been planning the Ijesu Festival, scheduled to begin on November 26, during which he would have celebrated his 45th year on the throne in a grandstyle.
Many prominent Nigerians were set to receive chieftaincy titles during the weeklong celebration, but those plans have been set aside following his passing.
Though the royal court of Imeri has yet to issue an official statement, a member of the Ondo State 130 Crown Obas confirmed the news to The Nigerian Monitor.
“I got a call from Olori Adeniran at about 2 a.m. today that our dear father, the Onimeri of Imeri, has left us for the great beyond,” said the Oba, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“He was one of our respected elders, and we will surely miss him,” he stated.
The monarch expressed sorrow over the loss of his colleague, describing it as “one death too many,” particularly following the recent loss of another Oba in Ose Local Government.
“Oba Babatunde Agbadero Adeniran’s legacy as a devoted leader and an advocate for his community will be fondly remembered by the people of Imeri and Ondo State,” he added.
