Astute businessman and publisher of Street Journal, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Dr. Yisa ’Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan (Orijajoogun I).
He described the late monarch as not only a royal father but also a trusted brother, confidant and visionary leader whose commitment to the Yoruba nation remained unwavering until his last days.
In an emotional condolence message, Arisekola reflected on one of his final conversations with the late first-class monarch, revealing that discussions about the future of Yorubaland and the monarch’s forthcoming birthday celebration in September have remained vivid in his memory since news of the king’s demise broke.
“Good night my brother and good friend. Your birthday celebration coming up in September, the future of Yoruba in Nigeria after Tinubu and others that we discussed is still lingering in my mind,” Arisekola wrote, capturing the pain of losing a man he said was deeply invested in the destiny of the Yoruba race.
The respected Ibadan chief noted that Oba Olaniyan’s death has robbed Yewaland and the entire Yoruba nation of an enlightened traditional ruler who successfully combined modern exposure with a profound respect for culture and traditional.
According to him, the late monarch’s ideas, intellect and passion for community development distinguished him among his contemporaries.
Oba Olaniyan, who passed away at the age of 56 in Houston, Texas, following complications from surgery after a brief illness, was widely celebrated for his progressive leadership.
Oba Olaniyan, who passed away at the age of 56 in Houston, Texas, following complications from surgery after a brief illness, was widely celebrated for his progressive leadership.
Before ascending the throne in 2020 as the 46th Onipokia of Ipokia, he had built an accomplished professional career in the United States, spanning aviation, oil and gas, renewable energy, and cultural advocacy through the Afro-Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards.
During his reign, the monarch championed educational advancement, youth empowerment, infrastructural development and the preservation of Yoruba cultural values. His remarkable contributions earned him widespread admiration, culminating in his induction into the Nigerian Books of Record Hall of Fame in 2025.
During his reign, the monarch championed educational advancement, youth empowerment, infrastructural development and the preservation of Yoruba cultural values. His remarkable contributions earned him widespread admiration, culminating in his induction into the Nigerian Books of Record Hall of Fame in 2025.
Arisekola, who is also the President of the Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPON), prayed for the peaceful repose of the monarch’s soul and asked God to comfort Olori Folasade, the royal family, the people of Ipokia Kingdom, and all those mourning the revered king.
He expressed hope that the enduring legacy of Oba Olaniyan’s service, wisdom and vision would continue to inspire generations of leaders across Yorubaland.
As tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria and the diaspora, many have echoed Arisekola’s sentiment that the late Onipokia’s passing represents the end of a purposeful chapter in the history of Ipokia Kingdom, while his ideals of unity, cultural pride and progressive leadership will remain a lasting reference for years to come.
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