Breaking: Mourning As Popular Oyo Monarch ‘Oniroko’ Dies, Details Emerge

• Oyo state has been thrown into mourning as Oniroko of Irokoland in Akinyele local government area of Oyo state, Oba Sunmaila Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola (Kurunloju 1), passed on to the great beyond
• According to reports making the rounds on Saturday, May 31, the influential monarch joined his ancestors on Friday morning
• Prince Dolapo Abioye on behalf of the Opeola-Oniroko family, confirmed this in a statement and described the reign of the late monarch as a symbol of unity, tradition, and progress

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Ibadan, Oyo state - The Oniroko of Irokoland in Akinyele local government area of Oyo State, Oba Sunmaila Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola (Kurunloju 1), joined his ancestors in the early hours of Friday, May 30.

Oyo monarch Oniroko passes away

The transition of the monarch was confirmed in a statement by Prince Dolapo Abioye on behalf of the Opeola-Oniroko family.

He disclosed that said body of the deceased monarch would be buried today (Saturday) by 10:00 am, adding that more information about the burial would be announced later.

Speaking further, he described his reign as a symbol of unity, tradition, and progress.

As reported by The Nation on Saturday, may 31, the statement reads:

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow and profound respect that I write to formally announce the passing of His Royal Highness, Oba Sunmaiła Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola (Kurunloju 1), the Oniroko of Iroko, who joined his ancestors in the early hours of Friday, May 30, 2025.

“During his reign, His Royal Highness was a symbol of unity, tradition, and progress.

“He devoted his life to the service of his people, the preservation of our customs, and the pursuit of development in Iroko, Akinyele Local Government, and Oyo State in general.”

Oyo monarch to be buried today

Meanwhile, arrangements are currently being made by the family to lay his body to eternal rest by 10:00 am tomorrow, Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Top Lagos monarch dies

Similarly, Legit.ng reported that a major traditional ruler in Lagos state, Oba Shefiu Ọlatunji Adewale Eshilokun I, Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, has died.

The traditional ruler reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, May 31, and his burial arrangement is scheduled to hold the same day according to Muslim rites.

Oba Adewale, who spent 37 years as a public servant before retiring, and also served as a commissioner in the civil service commission, ascended the throne in 2009.

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Influential Ondo monarch dies 11 months after ascending throne

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Oba Julius Omomo, the Olojoda of the Oda kingdom, in Akure, Ondo state capital, passed away aged 83.

Ade Adelakun, a family source, confirmed the monarch’s death, adding that he breathed his last after a brief illness.

Source: Legit.ng