Posted by By Tunde Raheem, Akure on
The people of Ondo town were yesterday thrown into mourning following the demise of their monarch, Oba Festus Adedapo Adesanoye. The monarch, who died at the age of 75 was said to have been hale and hearty as at Thursday night.
The people of Ondo town were yesterday thrown into mourning following the demise of their monarch, Oba Festus Adedapo Adesanoye.
The monarch, who died at the age of 75 was said to have been hale and hearty as at Thursday night.
According to a family source, the monarch was full of life as at Thursday night, when he was holding series of meetings with his children and family members till about midnight, after which he was said to have been found dead in the early hours of Friday, by one of his aides.
Oba Adesanoye, ruled for 15 years. As at the time of filing this story, the Ondo State government said members of the late monarch's family had not issued any official statement as to the Oba's death, but a government source who prefers anonymity, said they were expecting the Oba's family to officially brief the state government.
He distinguished himself as top civil servant, retiring as Permanent Secretary in the federal civil service. Adesanoye was one of the most powerful civil servants under the General Yakubu Gowon regime.
His reign was however mired by an unending controversy over his right to the throne of Ondo kingdom.
One of his last media outings was undoubtedly when he helped to broker peace between Chiefs Gani Fawehinmi and Alex Akinyele, two top Ondo sons and chiefs when they engaged in amedia war over Gani's letter to President Olusegun Obasanjo on the death of his wife, Stella.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Festus Ibidapo Adeniran Adedinsewo Adesanoye (CFR) was born into the Royal Family of Luju. His father was Prince Joseph Adesanoye of Leyo ruling house. Oba Leyo was the last born of Oba Luju. Oba Festus Adesanoye's grandfather was Adedinsewo, younger brother of Oba Ademeso Aroworayi. They were both children of Oba Osungbedelola I, grandson of the Oba Odunola. Oba Odunola was the grandson of Oba Lamale, who was the grandson of Oba Leyo. Prince Joseph Adesanoye had only one son, current Oba Festus Adesanoye, among his four wives.
Until his death, Oba Adesanoye was a Director of The Guardian Newspapers