Prince Durojaye Ariyo: Isinkan bids farewell to its oldest man

Renowned journalist Kunle Ariyo remembers his father as a living archive of history, a moral compass, and a pillar of strength

Isinkan, a historic community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, stood still in solemn gratitude as it bade farewell to Pa (Prince) Durojaye Ariyo, the Olori Omowa of Isinkan and the oldest man in the kingdom. Amid tears, hymns, and heartfelt tributes, family members, traditional rulers, friends, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate a life that spanned more than a century and shaped generations.

Pa Ariyo passed on peacefully at the remarkable age of 110, marking the end of an era for the Isinkan Kingdom. As the oldest living elder of the community, he was far more than a patriarch; he was a living bridge between Isinkan’s distant past and its present—an enduring custodian of memory whose life traversed colonial rule, Nigeria’s independence, and modern nationhood.

The revered elder was honoured during a Christian wake on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and laid to rest the following day, Wednesday, January 21, at his residence on Agunloye Street, Isinkan. The ceremonies were steeped in solemn hymns, fervent prayers, and emotional tributes that reflected a life defined by faith, humility, discipline, and service to humanity.

A successful farmer and respected community leader, Pa Ariyo was widely regarded as a repository of Isinkan’s history—a living archive of traditions, royal lineages, and communal values. Elders and youths alike recalled his uncommon clarity in recounting historical events, often serving as a reference point in cultural, royal, and communal matters.

Preaching at the Christian wake, Pastor Olugbenga Adetona of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Redeemer’s Assembly, described the late patriarch as a man who finished his race in faith.

“Baba lived long because he lived right. He may not have gone to school, but God schooled him in wisdom. He walked with God, and today we celebrate not just his age, but his legacy,” the pastor said.

The interment ceremony the next morning was equally emotional as the casket was lowered amid tears and prayers. In his sermon, Pastor Taiwo Ologun, also of RCCG, Redeemer’s Assembly, urged the congregation to reflect on the true meaning of a fulfilled life.

“Longevity is a gift, but impact is the true testimony. Pa Ariyo lived beyond years; he lived in purpose, peace, and service to God and man,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, one of his children, Omo’ba Kunle Ariyo, a renowned journalist, described his late father as a moral compass and pillar of strength.

“Baba lived a full circle of God’s grace. He taught us patience, honesty, contentment, and the fear of God. Even without formal education, his understanding of life, people, and history surpassed many who had it,” he said.

Kunle Ariyo added that as Olori Omowa, Pa Ariyo consistently reminded princes and princesses of their responsibility to lead by example.

“He believed leadership was about character, not privilege. Honour, to him, was earned through conduct,” he noted.

Although the Iralepo of Isinkan could not attend the burial in person in keeping with tradition, his authority was symbolically represented by the staff of office, signifying royal approval and traditional endorsement of the burial rites.

The ceremony drew a strong traditional presence, with distinguished dignitaries, Olus, high chiefs, and chiefs from Isinkan Kingdom and neighbouring communities in attendance, underscoring the immense respect accorded to the kingdom’s oldest man.

The family announced that the burial rites are ongoing. A 7th Day Burial Rite will be held at the late patriarch’s residence on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, while the final burial ceremony is scheduled for November 6, 2026, to allow adequate preparation for a grand farewell befitting his towering legacy.

Born in the late 1915, Pa (Prince) Durojaye Ariyo witnessed profound epochs of change yet remained firmly grounded in values that earned him reverence as one of Isinkan’s most respected and longest-living elders. Many recalled his home as a place of counsel, reconciliation, and quiet wisdom—a sanctuary where generations sought guidance.

As the rites continue, sorrow is gradually giving way to thanksgiving—for a life well lived, a father deeply loved, and the oldest man in Isinkan Kingdom, whose legacy will endure across generations.

Pa Ariyo is survived by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives.