The Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom in Ogun State, Oba Yisa Olusola Adeniyi Olaniyan, has died, five years after ascending the throne as the 46th Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom.
According to a report gathered, the first class monarch died in the early hours of Sunday. He was 55 and was expected to celebrate his sixth coronation anniversary later this year.
The late monarch ascended the throne in August 2020 as the Paramount Ruler of Ipokia Local Government.
Sources within the palace said the traditional ruler had been absent from public engagements and official palace activities for some time, raising concerns about his health before news of his death emerged.
It was gathered that Oba Olaniyan died following complications from a throat surgery, although palace authorities had yet to issue an official statement confirming the cause of death as of the time of filing this report.
His death has thrown the ancient town of Ipokia into mourning, with residents and admirers expressing grief over the loss.
Traditional chants, including the solemn refrain, “Oro nla le da,” echoed across parts of the community as sympathisers gathered to mourn the late monarch.
Before becoming king, Oba Olaniyan was a United States based entertainment executive. He founded Afro Heritage Entertainment and organised the Afro Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards.
His reign witnessed some controversies. In 2022, a rival ruling house petitioned the Ogun State Government, seeking his suspension pending the determination of a legal dispute over the stool.
As of Sunday, neither the Ogun State Government nor the Ipokia Traditional Council had announced funeral arrangements or officially confirmed the cause of his death.
