Oba Oladunjoye Fajana passes on, Okeagbe, Oladunni, Arasanyin, Sofolahan, others mourn as
By Julius Alabi, Akure
An avalanche of condolences and accolades were recorded today in the wake of the passing away of the Ajana Afa of Okeagbe, Oba Oladunjoye Fajana.
The people of Okeagbe Community in Akoko North West Local government area of Ondo state expressed grief over the death of Oba Fajana who was described as a man of peace that loved his community.
After 32 years of peaceful reign, the Paramount ruler passed on to glory, plunging Okeagbe Community and Akoko North West Council into mourning.
His passage was announced by the Traditional Chiefs along with some elders in Afa Okeagbe Community at about 5:30pm yesterday. This was followed immediately with a 21 ‘Otuuru 21 Gun salutes at the entrance of the Palace, signalling that the Paramount King in Okeagbe has rejoined his Royal forebears.
The Asiwaju of Okeagbe Akoko, Otunba Solomon Oladunni who spoke on behalf of the royal family said: “It is with a heavy heart, but with thanks to God, that we announce the passing of our Royal father, Oba Oladunjoye Fajana, the Ajana Afa of Okeagbe.
He said the news of the death of the highly revered traditional ruler was received with immense sadness and a deep feeling of great loss as he reigned very peacefully for thirty -two years.
“He is survived by his wife, Olori Fajana; sons; daughters; daughters-in-law; grandchildren; many brothers and sisters, cousins, nephews, and nieces” he said.
In his condolence message, the Palace historian,, Prince Foluso Arasanyin described Oba Oladunjoye Fajana as a committed bridge builder and royalty par excellence.
According to him, the late monarch was a distinguished traditional ruler who dedicated his 32-year reign to building a united community and advancing causes to better the lives of his people, and contributing immensely to the growth and development of the state.
In his reaction, the Olori Ebi of Fajana family, Prince Lawrence Fajana, “Oba Fajana lived a life of service to humanity and the upliftment of others, endearing him to his subjects and everyone that came in contact with him saying that he will be sorely missed for his wise royal counsel, fatherly guidance, and advice.
Omoloofin Adimula Soga Sofolahan in his condolence message joined the people of Okeagbe Community in mourning the monarch who he described as a fountain of experience and exuded wisdom in his pursuit of peace and unity.
He conveyed his personal condolences to the late Oba Fajana’s immediate family and relations as well as friends and associates of the highly respected monarch who will be greatly missed by the people of Okeagbe the people.
Also, mourned the late monarch are Yeye Owa, Princess Temitayo Ajayi nee Fajana, Dr. Olayinka Fajana said “Oba Oladunjoye Fajana, a royal father who exhibited uncommon love for his Children, subjects and vigorously ensured the sustainable growth and economic prosperity of Okeagbe.
Other community chiefs, who spoke separately on the late monarch which include the Omokokus, the Ologotun Igase High Chief Adewumi Efficacy, the Elegiri of Afa, Chief Oladimeji Ojo, the Sarede, Chief Folorunso Bada; the Olisa Iruja, Chief Soji Aremo; Basorun Akinwumi Bada, the Elejofe, Chief Ajayi Festus; the Aro Onile, Chief Akintunde Giwa; the Elemofe, Chief Charles Ajakaye, the Odofin Ogboye, Chief Muyiwa Asagunla among others commiserated with the Royal Family and all the people of Okeagbe described the late monarch as a man of peace committed to the development of the kingdom.
Before he ascended the throne of his forefathers, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladunjoye Fajana, had traversed the length and breadth of the earth. By Providence, he is also wealthy and influential.
Oba Fajana, an former employee of African Development Bank and World Bank respectively, was a banker of long standing experience
Indeed, his wealth of experience played a major role in his selection as the royal father of his Community. Interestingly, since his ascension, the kingmakers and the people of the community have not regretted their choice as he was elevated to a first-class Monarch.
He came to the throne with a clear mindset to transform his community into a cynosure of global attention.
