From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado Ekiti
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The people of Iworoko Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area of the state have begun traditional rites for the late Oba Michael Olufemi Aladejana, the Alaworoko, who joined his ancestors at the early hours of Wednesday, after a brief illness.
The death of the monarch came barely six days after 14 of his subjects including a yet to be identified Corps Member, were killed in an auto-crash involving a trailer that carried branded on Saturday, January 15.
More than four houses and adjoining lock-up shops were also destroyed in the crash as the trailer swerved off the road and entered a busy night market in the community.
The driver of the trailer was reported to have lost control of the heavy duty truck which suddenly had brake failure and plunged into a mini market located within the heart of the town.
The news of the passage of Oba Aladejana, filtered into town at about 8am on Wednesday.
When journalists visited the town at about noon yesterday, traditional rites had already begun with the cutting of the trees and blockage of the dual carriage Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki highway as a way of paying last respect to the departed king.
Similarly, youths and other age groups also trooped to the streets killing house pets like goats and sheep sighted roaming about as the tradition demands.
One of the prominent indigenes of the town, who craved anonymity, said the last week accident which claimed 14 lives and injured four others had worsened the health situation of the monarch.
“Our monarch was rushed to the hospital after the accident. Alhough, he had been having health issue before, but that incident really made the situation worse for him.
“When the news got to the town, he was said to have felt so devastated and the family had to rush him to the hospital early on Sunday.
“The sickness was said to have improved on Monday before a relapse on Tuesday resulting to his demise”, the source said.
Speaking on the demise of the monarch, his first son who gave his name as Adekunle Aladejana, said the death of his father was as a result of the shock of the accident that claimed the lives of about 14 residents of the community.
The Iworoko Prince lamented the death of his father whom he described as a teacher and a community leader per excellence, explaining that his father who was the first Alaworoko of Iworoko town would be remembered forever for his great achievements in the town.
One of the palace chiefs who does not want his name mentioned, said although he was not authorised to speak on the matter, the traditional rites for the departed Oba had begun in the town. While the official announcement by the children of the late monarch would be done later on Friday.
