Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has mourned the death of the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, describing his passing as a major loss to Ijesa land, Osun State and Nigeria.

The monarch died at the age of 85 after 21 years on the throne. His death was announced on Friday by the Obaala of Imesi-Ile and Chairman of the Owa-Oye-in-Council, High Chief Tunde Aluko, on behalf of the royal council and the community.

Fadahunsi, who chairs the Senate Committee on Industries, described the late traditional ruler as a respected scholar, charismatic leader and jovial personality whose contributions to his community would be remembered. He said the monarch’s reign had brought significant contributions to the development of Imesi-Ile and areas beyond it.

In a statement signed by his Head of Media and Public Enlightenment, Omole Olusegun, and shared with PUNCH Online on Saturday, the senator described the monarch as a friend to all and said his death had left an irreplaceable vacuum in the community and the country.

“It is a big loss to us in Ijesha land, the state, and the nation,” Fadahunsi said.

He added that the best response was to console the bereaved family and the people the monarch led, while honouring his legacy. “We can only console the family and the industrious people he led, and mourn him gracefully because he came, he saw, and he conquered,” he said.

Fadahunsi also prayed for strength and comfort for the monarch’s immediate family, the Imesi-Ile community, the Ijesa people, the Osun State Government and all those mourning his passing.