Isinkan mourns as Olori Omowa, Prince Durojaye Ariyo, dies at 110
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
He was widely respected for his deep knowledge of Isinkan’s oral history and for his role in mentoring younger generations on matters of culture, identity, and communal harmony.
The Isinkan community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Olori Omowa of Isinkan, Prince Durojaye Ariyo, who died at the age of 110.
Confirming the development, one of the sons of the deceased, Omo’ba Kunle Ariyo, said Pa Durojaye Ariyo passed away on Monday at his residence in Isinkan.
Pa Durojaye Ariyo’s death marks the end of an era for the ancient community, where he served as a revered custodian of tradition and royal lineage.
Until his death, Pa Ariyo held the traditional title of Olori Omowa, the head of Princes and Princesses in the Isinkan Kingdom.
The position places him at the heart of the town’s royal structure, with responsibilities including the preservation of ancestral history, guidance of royal households, and safeguarding of Isinkan customs and values.
He was widely respected for his deep knowledge of Isinkan’s oral history and for his role in mentoring younger generations on matters of culture, identity, and communal harmony.
Reacting to the passing, Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, the Iralepo of Isinkan, described Pa Durojaye Ariyo as a “bonafide prince of Isinkan” and thanked God for a life well lived.
In a statement addressed to the Omowa of Isinkan and the entire Isinkan community, the monarch said: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Olori Omowa Iralepo Isinkan, who left us today, the 19th of January, 2026. Though it’s painful, we give thanks to God Almighty for a life well-lived.
We celebrate Baba’s enduring legacy, his leadership that unified the Omowas, and the love he showed to all.”
Residents, royal families, and traditional chiefs have continued to pay tributes, describing Pa Durojaye Ariyo as a calm, principled leader whose life was devoted to unity, peace, and the preservation of Isinkan’s cultural heritage.
According to burial arrangements, there will be Christian wake today Tuesday at his residence at No 16 Agunloye street, adjacent Celestial Church of Christ, Isinkan while interment will take place on Wednesday at same venue.
