Oba Charles Ibitoye, the Olomu of Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, has joined his ancestors.

His demise was confirmed in Omu-Aran on Saturday by Chief Festus Awoniyi, the Petu of Omu-Aran.

Awoniyi broke the news of the monarch’s passage shortly after the meeting of the Olomu-in-Council on Saturday in Omu-Aran.

Oba Ibitoye was reported to have died at the age of 65 after a brief illness.

The rumour of his death which became viral on social media early on Friday, had thrown the community into an atmosphere of tension and anxiety.

Awoniyi disclosed that the Elemosho of Omu-Aran, Chef Jimoh Olaiya, and his team had been instructed to announce and move around the town to clear the markets as a tradition.

According to Awoniyi, a curfew had been imposed from 9.00 p.m and 5.00 a.m with effect from Saturday.

“We just finished our meeting at the palace where the news of Olomu’s demise was officially broken.

“There will be no buying and selling for three consecutive market days and a curfew imposed as a mark honour for the late Olomu,” he said.

Oba Ibitoye, who hailed from Ikoja Compound in the town, is from Ijawusi Ruling House.

He ascended the throne in January 1993 after the demise of Oba Suleiman Durotoye Abegunde.

The monarch, who was a retired civil servant with the State Ministry of Finance, is survived by his wife, Olori Omowumi Ibitoye and four children.

In his reactions, Chief Bisi Adeyemi, the president of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), said that the association was in the process of notifying the council chairman and the State Governor for official announcement.

Also reacting, Chief Jide Adebayo, a community leader and former Executive Director of NAN, said that Oba Ibitoye would be missed for his exemplary leadership style.

“He is a kind-hearted, industrious and a leader par excellence.

“He was always concerned and passionate about peace, unity and development of the community,” Adebayo said. (NAN)