One of the prominent monarchs in Yorubaland, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, has joined his ancestors.
The 95 year-old monarch died in the early hours of Sunday after spending 48yrs on the throne.
Though no official statement yet from the palace, a source close to the palace confirmed that the Monarch died in his sleep.
Born on May 27, 1926 in Ogbomoso to Oba Bello Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade II and Ayaba Seliat Olatundun Oyewumi, he ascended the throne on October 24, 1973.
He had his elementary education at St. Patrick Primary School, Oke Padre, Ibadan from 1932-1938. In 1938, he attended the Ogbomoso People’s Institute, which was later transformed into Ogbomoso Grammar School.
Oba Oladunni cut his business teeth by trading in woven textiles, which took him on trading trips to Ilesa among other locations.
He formed a limited liability company in 1967 called J.O. Oyewumi and Co Nigeria Ltd, which specialised in wholesale and retail trading. From a modest beginning, the business expanded to include real estate and hospitality. He established the famous Terminus Hotel and El-Duniya Hotel in Jos.
Meanwhile, dignitaries have begun to throng the palace to commiserate with the family and the entire Ogbomoso community.