Nigerian Compass Newspaper

Kwara State lost yesterday  one of its oldest traditional rulers, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mustapha Olawoore Olanipekun Ariwajoye 11.

The front line ruler died yesterday at the age of 75, less than two months after celebrating his 40th year on the throne.
The late monarch who ascended the throne  in 1970 was said to have died about 4.30pm at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Makama,  confirmed the demise of the royal father at about 7pm yesterday and hinted that the deceased would be buried today  in Offa after a Jumat service.

Already, a committee to oversee the funeral has been drawn up. One of the members confirmed yesterday that the late monarch will be buried today.
He also disclosed that the Olofa-in-council had ordered the closure of all major markets in the town for the next seven days as a mark of respect for the traditional ruler.

Reacting to the monarch’s death chairman of Offa local government, Chief Segun Olawoyin described the late Olofa as a man fulfilled in every sense of the word. “he lived a fulfilled life, he spent 40 years on the throne and had a lot of achievements”,Olawoyin said, adding: “and he knew he would die because for the past three weeks he had been speaking about it. We thank God for the life he lived.”
about a year ago, the ancient town of Offa was thrown into confusion following reports that the late Olofa had passed on after a protracted illness. Indeed he was sick and had to be flown abroad for medical attention and returned about three months after hale and hearty.

In an interview to commemorate the late monarch’s 40th year anniversary, one of his friends, Chief Emmanuel Adesoye had commended the deceased for the development the community witnessed under his reign and asked other monarchs to emulate him.