Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, the Towulade of Akinale in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State, has passed away at the age of 79.

The monarch was a distinguished journalist who had a successful career with the Daily Times of Nigeria.

Prior to his royal ascension, he served as the General Manager, Public Relations of the defunct Nigeria Airways.

Oba Ogunleye was first installed as the Baale of Akinale in 2004 by former Governor Gbenga Daniel and later elevated to the rank of Oba in 2006.

His health had been declining for some time, and he was receiving medical attention at St. Thomas Hospital in London, where he passed away on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a reliable source close to the late monarch, Oba Ogunleye had recently completed his PhD program in law and was preparing to graduate in a few weeks’ time.

The source expressed condolences, saying: “Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Adewunmi Ogunleye, has left us at the age of 79 after a brief illness in a London hospital.

May his soul rest in peace and may he find favor with his Creator.”