The Akire of Ikire in Osun State, Oba Olatunde Falabi, has died at the age of 91. The Chairperson of Irewole Local Government, Dr Esther Okunola, announced the monarch’s death in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Monday. Sources close to the palace, however, said Oba Falabi died after a brief illness during the weekend. In her condolence message, Okunola expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s passing, describing it as the “fall of a great elephant.” She said Ikire and the entire Irewole Local Government had lost a royal father whose wisdom, courage and guidance were pillars of unity and progress. According to her, Oba Falabi’s reign was marked by peace, cultural preservation and commitment to the development of Ikire. “His leadership strengthened traditional institutions and foster...