Oba Sonariwo joins ancestors

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba (Dr) Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, has joined his ancestors, on Saturday, in London.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the traditional ruler was ill and flown abroad for medical attention before he joined his ancestors.

Oba Sonariwo was the Chairman of the Ogun State Traditional Council before his passage.

The late monarch was born in 1936 at Ita-Eleye in Lagos State and attended St John School, Aroloya from 1941 to 1949.

The late monarch also attended Methodist Boys’ High School from 1950 till 1955.

He was installed on July 14, 1990; flown abroad on July 17 and died on Saturday morning in the United Kingdom.

The late monarch’s last official outing, was the conferment of the Iyalode of Remoland on Chief Folasade Ogunbiyi, on June 11, in Sagamu.

When the Nigerian Tribune visited the ancient town on Sunday afternoon, residents were seen in groups discussing the incident.

At the Akarigbo’s palace at Ita-Oba area, a police pick-up van and another belonging to the local security group were strategically positioned at the entrance to the palace, while the gate to his private residence was locked.

A resident, Mrs Bintu Olowofela, described the death of the monarch as a great loss to the entire Remoland. She said the late Oba Sonariwo’s reign brought about development to Sagamu.

When contacted, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Dayo Adeneye, said the state government had not been briefed officially about the passage of the first class monarch.

Some eminent personalities from Remoland said they could not talk on the incident until the news becomes official.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that traditional rites for the passage of Oba Sonariwo would begin on Sunday night.

Another resident reliably informed that message had been passed across to everyone in the town about the development.