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.
The Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom in Yewa, Ogun State, Oba Dr. Yisa ‘Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan (Orijajoogun I), has died at the age of 56.
Palace sources confirmed that the first-class traditional ruler passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, United States, following complications arising from surgery for a swallowing difficulty after a brief illness.
His death marks the end of a remarkable reign that blended traditional leadership with a modern outlook and brought renewed attention to the development of Ipokia Kingdom and the wider Yewa region.
Born on September 5, 1970, in Ilashe Quarters, Ipokia, Oba Olaniyan was the son of Prince Hamzat Akanbi Olaniyan of the Iwaye Dodo Ruling House.
Before ascending the throne, the late monarch built a successful professional career in the United States.
He studied Criminal Justice at the University of Houston-Downtown and worked across the aviation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors.
He also founded the Afro-Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards (AHBEAwards), an initiative dedicated to promoting Nigerian culture and recognising excellence within the African diaspora.
Oba Olaniyan emerged as the choice of the kingmakers after being unanimously selected from among eight princes to occupy the revered stool of Onipokia.
He received the staff of office from Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on August 12, 2020, and was formally crowned on September 5, 2020, coinciding with his 50th birthday.
As the 46th Onipokia of Ipokia, he occupied the second-highest traditional position in the Yewa Traditional Council, after the Olu of Ilaro.
During his reign, the monarch championed community development through advocacy for quality education, improved infrastructure, youth empowerment and the establishment of tertiary institutions in Ipokia Kingdom.
He was also widely acknowledged for his commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of his people.
In recognition of his contributions to cultural preservation and traditional leadership, Oba Olaniyan was inducted into the Nigerian Books of Record Hall of Fame in 2025.
The late monarch celebrated his fifth coronation anniversary and 55th birthday in September 2025 at a colourful ceremony attended by eminent traditional rulers, government officials, cultural icons and other distinguished guests.
His last known public appearance was in April 2026, when he attended a reception in Houston in honour of Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo.
Oba Olaniyan is survived by his wife, Olori Folasade, members of the royal family and the people of Ipokia Kingdom, who have continued to pay glowing tributes to a monarch widely regarded as a visionary leader committed to combining tradition with modern development.
With his passing, the stool of the Onipokia has become vacant.
Attention is expected to shift to the Iwaye Dodo Ruling House, which will play a central role in the process leading to the emergence of a new Onipokia, a development that is expected to attract widespread interest across Ogun State and Yewaland.
Funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the palace in due course.
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