Long before higher education became common among Nigeria’s traditional rulers, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, had already made history by becoming the first Nigerian monarch to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

A respected scholar, author, economist and traditional ruler, Oba Aromolaran’s life was defined by an unwavering belief that education was the foundation of national development.

Born on October 13, 1937, into the royal family of Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran I and Princess Tinuola Aromolaran of Esa-Oke, the future monarch displayed academic excellence from an early age. He attended Abeokuta Grammar School, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 1964.

His academic journey continued under the renowned economist Professor Samson Olayide, under whom he obtained a PhD in Development Economics, becoming the first Nigerian traditional ruler to attain the prestigious academic qualification.

Beyond the classroom, Oba Aromolaran became one of Nigeria’s most influential educational authors. His first publication, Economics for West Africa, released in 1966, became a widely used textbook, while several of his Economics and Government books shaped the education of countless Nigerian secondary school students throughout the 1970s and beyond.

Following the passing of Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika II, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II ascended the throne as the 40th Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland on February 20, 1982. He was formally presented with the Staff of Office by the then Governor of Oyo State, Chief Bola Ige, during his coronation on May 15, 1982.

His reign would span 42 years, during which he became known not only as a custodian of Yoruba culture but also as a passionate advocate for education, intellectual development and community progress.

In recognition of his contributions to national development and public service, the Federal Government honoured him with the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Throughout his life, Oba Aromolaran remained guided by a simple but powerful philosophy:

“Education is life; education is light. It dispels all darkness.”

For many Nigerians—particularly those who studied Economics and Government in the 1970s and 1980s—his name remains synonymous with academic excellence, thanks to the textbooks that shaped generations of students.

On September 12, 2024, news emerged that the revered monarch had passed away at the age of 86, bringing to an end the remarkable life of a king who successfully bridged royalty and scholarship.

His legacy lives on—not only in the history of Ijesaland but also in Nigeria’s educational landscape, where his books, ideas and lifelong commitment to learning continue to inspire future generations.