‘A Rare Breed:’ Onikoyi Of Ikoyi Oba Ibikunle Fafunwa-Onikoyi Joins Ancestors

Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land, HRM Oba Ibikunle Fafunwa-Onikoyi

By Babawale Solomon

Eko Hot Blog reports that indigenes and residents of Ikoyi and Moba Land have been thrown into mourning following the passing of their monarch, the Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land, HRM Oba Ibikunle Fafunwa-Onikoyi.

The revered royal figure peacefully joined his ancestors on Sunday, November 19, 2023. He was 92.

The Head of Muti Onikoyi Royal Family of Lagos, Otunba A.G.K Onikoyi, announced the monarch’s passing, in a poste shared with Eko Hot Blog on Tuesday.

As of the time of time of filing this report, the cause of the demise of Fafunwa-Onikoyi was not clear.

His death has cast a solemn atmosphere over the regions he presided over.

The late monarch celebrated his 90th birthday on March 9, 2021.

Oba Fafunwa-Onikoyi’s most recent milestone birthday garnered praise from dignitaries, most notably Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, Chairman of Executive Group and Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), who extolled the paramount ruler for his remarkable reign.

In a statement at the time, Dr. Ogunsan described Oba Fafunwa-Onikoyi as a rare breed who ascended to enviable heights in his rule.

Ogunsan’s eulogies highlighted the significance of March 9, the day a special individual from the Onikoyi dynasty was gifted to humanity.

The paramount ruler, known for spearheading transformative achievements and landmark developments, including the establishment of modern schools, hotels, and business outfits, has left an irreplaceable void.

Born in 1931 to the family of Late Abiola Fafunwa-Onikoyi and Late Arinola Fafunwa-Onikoyi, Oba Fafunwa-Onikoyi’s legacy is deeply rooted in his contributions to education, urban development, and community progress.

His journey began at Saint Patrick Primary School in Idumagbo, Lagos state, and continued to Cosmopolitan Evening School, also in Lagos state.

The historical significance of the present urban city of Ikoyi, Obalende, and Imoba Township can be traced back to the first settler, Onikoyi Adeyemi, the progenitor of the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family Lagos.

Onikoyi Adeyemi played a pivotal role in the development of areas such as Ikoyi, Imoba, Obalende, and Ajegunle Odo Village.

As the community mourns the passing of this regal figure, Oba Fafunwa-Onikoyi’s legacy remains etched in the annals of Ikoyi and Moba Land’s rich history.

Click to watch our video of the week:

Philip Ibitoye

Philip Ibitoye is a journalist who boasts more than five years of experience reporting the news. He is an Editor at Eko Hot Blog.