Adedokun Abolarin

Oba
Adedokun Abolarin
Born (1958-09-24) 24 September 1958
CitizenshipNigeria
EducationUniversity of Ife (now Obafemi Awolow University)
OccupationTraditional ruler
Known forPhilanthropy
Notable workTraditional institutions and traditional rulers in national development
HonoursEducation Icon of Year by Vanguard Newspaper in 2024

Adedokun Abolarin (born September 24, 1958) is a traditional ruler and a philanthropist. He is currently the Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá-Òràngún in Ifedayo Local Government area of Osun State, Nigeria. He was installed as Oba on 8 December 2006. Abolarin was a practicing Lawyer before he was installed a traditional ruler, thus, the name, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, (Aroyinkeye 1) of Oke Ila.[1]

Early life and education

Adedokun Abolarin's mother was Mary Ibiteye Abolarin. She was a teacher turned trader. She died in 2024 at the age of 92.[2] Abolarin holds a BSc in Political Science from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolow University), and, MSc in International Relations. He also has LLB, BL (Law).[3]

Meanwhile, Abolarin became a lecturer at the old Oyo State College of Arts and Science (OSCAS), Ile-Ife. He later studied law, and rose to become the legal adviser of the then Senate President of Nigeria, Anyim Pius Anyim.

Oba lost his wife, Olori Solape Christianah Abolarin in June 2025. She died in a hospital in Ibadan.[4] She was a staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Osun State.[5]

Traditional ruler

Adedokun Abolarin became a traditional ruler of Òkè-Ìlá-Òràngún in Ifedayo Local Government area of Osun State, Nigeria in December 2006. Oba Abolarin celebrated agricultural harvest of his community in 2025. He was on Facebook and showed pictures of the farm products as he stated, "the fruits of our labor are ripe! As Oke-Ila Orangun flourishes, its rich soil yields bountiful harvests of tobacco, pepper, and plantain." He encouraged his people to do more.[6]

At the Osun Guber, Stakeholders renewing commitment to peaceful election process in July 2026, Oba enjoined for political tolerance and ideation for improving the standard of living of the people.[7][8]

During COVID-19 in Nigeria, the news had it that Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin battled and survived COVID-19. The Oba confirmed this in an interview with the Society Now and stated, "It was then a surprise that I was caught up in the COVID web. I wondered how? And I didn't know until I got to the hospital, at the intensive care unit." And again, "About the COVID itself, a lot of people told me to keep it private and I said I would not. I can't. I am a traditional ruler, why must I make it private? A lot of our people don't believe that COVID is real. A lot of our people will tell you that there is no corona virus. Even in the palaces, they would tell me "Koro o si l'aafin" (there is no Coronavirus in the palace). I see the way our people walk around and I get scared. I'm scared of the possible carriers and the effect of their non-challance on public health. Health is wealth and I am not sure the extent to which we understand that cliché in Nigeria. Health is wealth and public health is important. That is why I felt that I should tell my story." Oba was in the intensive care unit in Osogbo for about eight days then at Babcock for 12 days before he recovered.[9][10] In another development, Oba stated that COVID-19 is real and urged everyone to take their health seriously with the vaccine.[11]

Abolarin College

Oba Dr. Adedokun Abolarin established Abolarin School in 2014.[12] According to Premium Times Nigeria, the school official website has it that "It is a desire fueled by the desire to ensure that the rights of a child to education irrespective of the social status of the child is met. A child's future should not be determined by where the child is born but by the ability of the child to put into maximum use the talents that God gives. Therefore, every child born into this world should be empowered through effective, functional and quality education."[13] The school admits only indigcnt children.[14] It was said that after ten years after the establishment of Abolarin College in Oke- Ila, Osun State, it still operates on the "free and quality education for the poor but brilliant students and prospects."[15][16]

Achievement

Oba Abolarin established Abolarin College. He teaches history and government in the school as well gives the students a sense of belonging.[17] which took children "away from the motor parks and streets where they previously hawked pepper, sachet water, fruits etc. and from the farms where the young minds toiled under the hot sun weeding, planting and making mounds. Orphans, hawkers, child labourers, delinquents, sons of farmers, petty traders, and the homeless sit side by side in averagely equipped classrooms of Abolarin College in their neat uniforms and clean environment listening, and learning."[18] The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke described him as a promoter of human capital development and the growth of Osun state.[19]

He was listed as one of the dignitaries invited to grace the Reunion events of the University of Ife Alumni.website 2022.[20]

He was honoured with the 2024 Vanguard Newspaper Education Icon of Year by Vanguard Newspaper.[21]

Publication

Oba has publications. He carried out a research on 1914 amalgamation to recent times, in which he evaluated component elements of federal, regional/state, and local government administration. He wrote the work analyzed the Nigerian foreign policy, political parties, and pressure groups.[22][23]

Traditional institutions and traditional rulers in national development.[24]

References

  1. ↑ "Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin: Advancing Sustainable Education in Nigeria Through the Royal Stool – Susa Africa". susafrica.com. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  2. ↑ Ajiboye, Kayode (24 November 2024). "Orangun Of Oke-Ila, Oba Abolarin Loses Mum At 92". Independent Newspaper Nigeria. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  3. ↑ "ALAIYELUWA OBA (DR.) ADEDOKUN ABOLARIN, AROYINKEYE I – DAWN Commission". Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  4. ↑ Adedayo, Festus (15 June 2025). "Farewell, Olori Solape Abolarin". Tribune Online. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  5. ↑ "Adeleke mourns passing of Olori Solape, hails her virtue | Western Post". 10 June 2025. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  6. ↑ "PHOTO NEWS: Oba Adedokun Abolarin celebrates bountiful agricultural harvest in Oke-Ila Orangun | Western Post". 24 May 2025. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  7. ↑ Ezediuno, Francis (13 July 2026). "Osun Guber: Stakeholders renew commitment to peaceful election process". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  8. ↑ Komolafe, Ayobamiji (16 July 2026). "Osun 2026: Political Parties Sign Peace, Accountability Charter". New Telegraph. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  9. ↑ Now, Society (6 March 2021). "Popular King Orangun Oke Ila Reveals How Covid-19 Dealt Him A Massive Blow". SocietyNow. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  10. ↑ Reporter, Our (6 March 2021). "COVID-19: I was in intensive care for 8 days —Oba Dokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke Ila". Tribune Online. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  11. ↑ Faturoti, Gbenga (26 March 2021). "Take COVID-19 Vaccine Seriously To End Pandemic, Osun Monarch Tells Citizens". Independent Newspaper Nigeria. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  12. ↑ Bamigbola, Bola (25 July 2020). "I can't afford to marry more than one wife –Oba Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-lla". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  13. ↑ Wole Olaoye (24 April 2022). "With love from Oke-Ila". premiumtimesng. Retrieved 24 August 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ↑ The Insight Team (21 April 2023). "Abolarin College where indigent children are raised as future leaders". theinsight. Retrieved 24 August 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ↑ Authority Newspapers (4 October 2020). "Abolarin College, Oke-Ila, where education is entirely free". authorityngr. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  16. ↑ olufemiajasa (15 December 2024). "They thought it was impossible – Oba Abolarin providing free educationfor students in Osun". Vanguard News. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  17. ↑ "ABOLARIN COLLEGE, OKE-ILA-ORANGUN, STATE OF OSUN (A School Established By Oragun Abolarin Aroyinkeye Foundation OAAF) – DAWN Commission". Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  18. ↑ Times, Church (24 November 2020). "Why I run free school for children from poor homes -Oba Adedokun Abolarin - Church Times Nigeria - News, features and more". Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  19. ↑ "Governor Adeleke Felicitates Oba Adedokun Abolarin On His Birthday". Osun State Official Website. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  20. ↑ "Reunion 2022 Website - Dignitaries". reunion2022.greatifealumni.org. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  21. ↑ Amos, Kobor (14 April 2025). "Adebanjo, Clark, others receive Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  22. ↑ "Oba Adedokun Abolarin: The King Behind Abolarin College". Nigeria Education News. 4 June 2025. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  23. ↑ Eric (2 November 2019). "Oba Adedokun Abolarin: The Man the Cap Fits". TheBoss Newspaper. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  24. ↑ "Traditional institutions and traditional rulers in national development | WorldCat.org". search.worldcat.org. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
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