Traditional ruler dies in auto crash

By Bamigbola Gbolagunte

March 16, 2011 02:49AM

The traditional ruler of Orile-Owu in Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Adesoji Afelele, yesterday died in an auto crash which occurred on Osogbo-Gbongan road in the early hours of the day.

Mr Afelele, aged 75, was said to have died with his wife in the crash.

It was gathered that the traditional ruler and his wife were on their way to Ode-Omu, also in Osun State, when the accident occurred.

The crash

Sources told our correspondent that an 18 seater hummer bus belonging to AIT rammed into the vehicle killing Mr Afelele and his wife instantly.

The sources also said that four other people apart from the traditional ruler were seriously injured in the crash and have been taken to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife for treatment while the corpses have been deposited at the mutuary of the hospital.

Mr Afelele was said to have ascended the throne in 1981 and was preparing for the 30th coronation anniversary celebration.

Mr Afelele was until his death a permanent member of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers and a prominent traditional ruler in Yoruba land.

Before ascending the throne in 1981, he was a teacher and chief examiner for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

Son’s reaction

Reacting to the death of his father and stepmother, Muyiwa Adejobi, who is the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident. “We have also contacted my siblings and other family members, and I’m on my way to our town for the family meeting to discuss the burial arrangement which will be made available soon,” he explained

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