The Palace of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland has announced the passing of renowned industrialist, philanthropist and YeyeOwa of Ijesaland, Dame Eunice Olayinka Obaleye.
In a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Owa Obokun, Mrs. Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, Obtained by Thecasternews, the palace said Dame Obaleye died on Sunday, June 21, 2026, barely two weeks after celebrating her 88th birthday.
The statement described the late YeyeOwa as a visionary entrepreneur, devoted Christian and revered cultural icon whose life was marked by exceptional service to humanity, leadership and community development.
Born on June 4, 1938, Dame Obaleye built a chain of industries across Ijesaland and beyond, becoming one of the largest private employers in Osun State. The palace noted that her business ventures created thousands of jobs and contributed significantly to the economic growth and prosperity of the region.
Beyond her achievements in business, the late philanthropist was recognised as a major benefactor of the Methodist Cathedral, Otapete, Ilesa, where she supported healthcare projects, church infrastructure, charitable initiatives and community outreach programmes.
Her contributions to Ijesaland earned her several traditional honours, including her installation on October 31, 2025, as the first-ever YeyeOwa of Ijesaland, the highest cultural title ever bestowed on a woman in the kingdom.
She was further honoured on April 6, 2026, with induction into the inaugural Ijesaland Hall of Fame, while a major road in Ilesa was renamed Eunice Olayinka Obaleye Way in recognition of her enduring legacy.
The palace said Dame Obaleye is survived by her children, members of her extended family and numerous beneficiaries of her generosity and humanitarian service.
It added that funeral and memorial arrangements would be announced by the family in conjunction with the Ijesaland Traditional Council at a later date.
Meanwhile, the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has directed the suspension of all palace-related public functions for three days beginning Monday as a mark of honour for the departed matriarch.
The palace called on the people of Ijesaland and the general public to keep the royal family and the Obaleye family in their prayers during this period of mourning.
