Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday commiserated with the family of the 30th Owa of Igbajo and former Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oba Adegboyega Famodun.
The leadership of the APC in the state, as well as two governorship aspirants, Bola Oyebamiji and Dotun Babayemi, also mourned the monarch, whose passing was announced by the family early on Sunday.
A statement by Prince Adekunle Famodun on behalf of the family, obtained in Osogbo, said the monarch ‘passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, after a brief illness’.
The family added that Oba Famodun, aged 67, was married and survived by children.
‘As you may recall, Oba Adegboyega Famodun was installed and presented with the staff of office on 24 November 2022, by the former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.
‘Although his position was disputed by a white paper issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State High Court reinstated him on 30 January 2025’, the statement partly read.
In a condolence message by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke reflected on the late monarch’s long-standing relationship with the Adeleke family during his time in the United States, describing him as a politician of note who contributed significantly to Osun’s political development.
‘On behalf of the government and people of Osun State, I condole with the family of our late brother, Adegboyega Famodun. I got the shocking news as I was arriving in the country today.
‘Our late brother was a close family friend. We mourn his sudden death. We join the family in this grieving period. I pray his soul rest in perfect peace’, the governor said.
In its condolence message, the Osun APC, through its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, said the death of the ‘Owa of Igbajoland has left a very big vacuum in the progressive party’s family in the state as he had proven to be an encyclopedia of the Osun State politics since the foundation of the state till he breathed his last’.
Lawal described the monarch as a kind-hearted father figure who was always available to contribute to Osun’s development.
He added that Oba Famodun worked tirelessly to unite the people of Igbajo, promoting peace and progress.
He further said, ‘His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the community and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
‘He will be remembered for his peaceful nature, exceptional wisdom and tireless efforts to promote community development’.
In his message, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Oyebamiji, condoled with the family, the Igbajo royal family, the Osun Council of Obas and APC members nationwide.
Describing the late monarch as ‘an epitome of royalty, discipline, character, integrity, dignity and religiosity’, Oyebamiji said, ‘As a thoroughbred professional, politician and custodian of Yoruba culture, tradition and heritage, his monumental achievements cannot be quantified’.
He added that the late monarch’s reign brought ‘astronomical progress’ and had a lasting impact on his subjects, noting that all AMBO Movement activities would be suspended in his honour.
Also, APC governorship aspirant, Dotun Babayemi, expressed sadness over the monarch’s death, describing it as shocking and unbelievable.
Another prominent APC chieftain, Siji Olamiju, noted that Oba Famodun had served Osun State in various capacities before ascending the throne in November 2022, including as state chairman of the APC.
It was reported on 12 March 2024, that the Osun State Government approved the appointment of Prince Ademola Makinde as the new Owa of Igbajo, replacing Famodun.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.
In a statement by Lawal, the APC faulted the decision, insisting that the stool remained the subject of pending litigation.
The Owa of Igbajo stool became vacant in November 2022 when the Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration removed Prince Famodun, who had been installed by former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
