Isinkan mourns as Olori Omowa, Pa Durojaye Ariyo dies at 110

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, Pa Durojaye Ariyo, who passed away at the age of 110.

One of his sons, Omo’ba Kunle Ariyo, confirmed the development, saying the respected traditional title holder died in the early hours of Monday at his residence in Isinkan.

Pa Durojaye Ariyo’s death ends an era in the ancient community, where he served as a revered custodian of tradition and royal lineage.

Until his passing, Pa Ariyo held the traditional title of Olori Omowa, the head of Princes and Princesses in the Isinkan Kingdom. The position places its holder at the centre of the town’s royal structure, with responsibilities that include preserving ancestral history, guiding royal households and safeguarding Isinkan customs and values.

He was widely known for his deep knowledge of Isinkan’s oral history and for mentoring younger generations on culture, identity and communal harmony.

Reacting to the loss, the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, described the deceased as a “bonafide prince of Isinkan” and expressed gratitude to God for his long and impactful life.

In a statement addressed to the Omowa of Isinkan and the wider 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.”

Since the announcement of his death, residents, royal families and traditional chiefs have continued to pay tributes, describing Pa Durojaye Ariyo as a calm and principled leader whose life was devoted to unity, peace and the preservation of Isinkan’s cultural heritage.

The family said burial arrangements and traditional rites would be announced in due course.