Wednesday, 06 May, 2026 started like any other day in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government, Osun State. An typical off market day, so many residents had trooped to their farms, preparing for the coming raining season.
But by midday, a pall of dark cloud started gathering, ominously in the sky. Some thought it’s a sign of an impending rainfall. Some casually dismissed it.
An emissary had on Monday and Tuesday visited the ailing monarch. He was said to be in high Spirits. He was even quoted as telling a delegation that he would soon be ‘finally home, in Esa Oke’.
Therefore no one took notice of the royal eagle that had taken off from the town. No one took notice, until suddenly, when some elders started conversing in a hush tones.
Even when the rumours started gaining traction, not a few doubted it. This is because barely a fortnight ago, the rumours mill were filled with the rumours of his passing. But he rose to debunked the rumours, calling it what it is, a mere rumours.
And eventually, on Thursday afternoon, the people were jolted into reality with the terse announcement by the Osun State Government, that their revered monarch, HRM Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran JP, Atipa Owaji 11, has passed away the previous afternoon. He was sixty-three years.
This announcement marked the end of the reign of one of the most prominent and influential monarch in Ijesa North Traditional Council, where he was a former Chairman. He was said to have joined his ancestors by midday Wednesday, 06 May, 2026
The monarch, according to sources close to him succumbed to diabetics complications at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Oshogbo. He was said to had been away from the throne since December, 2025.
Oba Adediran mounted the throne in June 2004, and reigned for twenty two years before bowed out to join his ancestors.
According to Ogboni of Esa Oke, High Chief Paul Abimbola Olamiju, traditional rites for the passage of the monarch have started immediately with the imposing of curfew in the town and all markets closed down.
It read, “The Traditional Chiefs in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government, have announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient community.
“Rising from an emergency meeting this afternoon in Esa Oke, the chiefs said movement in the town will be restricted from this evening till tomorrow evening.
“According to the chiefs, the main market in Esa Oke has been shut for a while, as all social activities have also been suspended.
“All visitors, travellers, the students and staff of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, are enjoined to take note of the development.”