Igbajo Mourns as Former Owa, Oba Famodun III, Dies at 67 After Brief Illness

|By Adejumo Adekunle

The Gbeleru Royal Family of Igbajo has announced the death of the Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III, who passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, after a brief illness.

Prince David Adekunle Famodun confirmed the monarch’s passing in a statement issued on behalf of the royal family and made available to the press on Sunday. He described the late ruler as a revered traditional leader whose contributions to unity and development in Igbajoland remain unforgettable.

Oba Famodun, installed as the 30th Owa of Igbajoland on November 24, 2022, by former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, faced a turbulent reign. His ascension was contested following a white paper issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke, which led to his dethronement and the installation of Oba Ademola Makinde as his replacement.

However, the Osun State High Court reinstated Oba Famodun on January 30, 2025, reaffirming his legitimacy and restoring him to the throne.

The royal family noted that the late monarch championed peace, unity, and progress across the community, adding that his leadership left “an indelible mark” on the people of Igbajo.

Oba Famodun, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, died at the age of 67. He is survived by his wife and children.