The Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, HRM Oba Yisa ‘Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan (JP), joined his ancestors on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
EKO HOT BLOG reported earlier on Sunday that the 46th occupant of one of Yewaland’s most ancient thrones passed away in Houston, Texas, at the age of 55, following a successful surgery related to difficulty in swallowing.
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He had been in Houston since at least April 2026, when he attended a reception for Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo — his last known public appearance documented on Instagram.
From Ipokia to America
Born on September 5, 1970, to the late Prince Hamzat Akanbi Olaniyan of the Iwaye Dodo Ruling House and Madam Muyibat Olaniyan, at Ilashe Quarters in Ipokia, ‘Sola Olaniyan had his early education at United African Methodist Church Primary School before attending Community Secondary School, both in Ipokia.
After his secondary education in 1988, he moved to Lagos, where he worked with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as a flight dispatch officer, attached to Lufthansa German Airlines.
In 1997, he relocated to the United States (US), where he would spend over two decades building a life and a brand. He also served as National Public Relations Officer of the Yewa Descendants Union in North America, strengthening ties between Yewa indigenes in the diaspora and their homeland.
The Entertainment Promoter
It was in America that Olaniyan found his calling as a cultural entrepreneur.
As founder of the Afro-Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards (AHBEA), he celebrated African talent and amplified the global visibility of the continent’s creative industries.
In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, he described his pre-palace life candidly: “I was an entertainment promoter, based in the United States of America. I like being out there on weekends when I was off work, to hang out with friends, especially when I had a show.”
When the call of the throne came, he did not hesitate, even knowing the sacrifices involved. “I think a lot would have to go,” he acknowledged, “since royal stools in Yoruba land are sacred, and its obaship, a serious business.”
The Return and the Crown
Eight princes of the Iwaye Dodo Ruling House contested for the stool, and the kingmakers unanimously settled on Olaniyan.
When asked by City People Magazine what gave him the edge, he was characteristically humble: “I feel the kingmakers will be in a better position to answer that question, but I try as possible to put in my best in all I do.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, he spent 15 months in seclusion before his formal installation. He was officially presented the staff of office by Governor Dapo Abiodun on August 12, 2020 — the first monarch installed under that administration — with his coronation following on September 5, 2020, his 50th birthday.
He was unanimously elected by all kingmakers, described by those who knew him as sociable, humorous and amiable.
A Reign of Vision
In five years on the throne, Oba Olaniyan pursued an agenda rooted in the diaspora experience that shaped him. He played a pivotal role in the relocation of Ogun State Polytechnic to Ipokia and advocated for the establishment of an Ipokia University of Science and Technology Bill at the National Assembly.
The departed traditional ruler was also co-owner of NSB Worldwide Incorporated, a renewable energy company creating jobs in his domain.
Just months before his death, in August 2025, he was inducted into the Nigerian Books of Record Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to cultural preservation, leadership, and community development.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaniyan offered words that now read as a fitting epitaph: “This induction is not mine alone; it belongs to every son and daughter of Ipokia, to every dreamer in the diaspora, and to every soul who believes in the potential of our great nation. My life’s work has been to unite our past with our future, to preserve our culture while embracing innovation. This award strengthens my resolve to continue serving Ipokia, Nigeria, and Africa with unwavering dedication.”
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He is survived by his queen, Olori Folasade, and their two sons.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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