There is a apprehension in Ikare-Akoko over the rumoured demise of the Owa-Ale of Ikare in Akoko Northeast local government area of Ondo State, Oba Samuel Kolapo Adegbite-Adedoyin who joined his ancestors at the age of 85.
It was reliably gathered that the foremost monarch passed on early today at his palace located at Okorun area of Ikare after reigning for 48years.
Although the palace is yet to officially announce his demise, it was learnt that Oba Adegbite-Adedoyin who died during a brief illness.
Until his death, Owa-Ale was the President of a group of ondo state traditional rulers under 130 Krown Obas and member of the State Council of Obas.
Our correspondent who visited Ikare Akoko observed that the people wore mournful look as many people gathered at his palace.
When contacted, the Olona of Ikare, High Chief Rafiu Okunade said official pronouncement would only be made after necessary traditional rites had been carried out in line with the community’s norms.
The monarch who has one of the best and popular law firms in Ondo state, was one of the few Ondo state prominent indigenes who led struggle for the creation of the state in 1976.
Oba Adegbite Adedoyin was born in 1935, two years after the death of Saint Moses Orimolade the founder of Chembim and Seraphim Church who was also from Okorun area of Ikare.
His reign would not be forgotten as he used his connection as a famous legal practitioner and first educated Owa-Ale to facilitate establishment of more than eight secondary schools between 1978 and 1982.
Oba Adedoyin who was the only child of his late mother, Mama Janet Omotola Adedoyin, at various times attended Ebenezer A/C school, Ikare; Victory College, Ikare where was a classmate of famous Nigerians like late Chief Gani Fawehinmi; Afenifere Secretary, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa and host of others.
The monarch, a former lay President of African Church worldwide, also studied law in the United Kingdom before he returned home to ascend the throne of his forefathers in 1972 as the 17th Owa-Ale who had reigned since 13 century.