Jimoh Oyewumi, Soun of Ogbomoso, dies at 95

Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, the Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo state, has died after 48 years on the throne.

Although there is no official statement on his death, a palace source who preferred to be anonymous told TheCable on Sunday that the king joined his ancestors.

He added that he died in his sleep, aged 95.

He was born to Oba Bello Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade II and Ayaba Seliat Olatundun Oyewumi and ascended the throne on October 24, 1973.

He was renowned for the building of a modern palace in the town, having netted a mud palace after his coronation.

The late monarch attended St. Patrick Primary School, Oke Padre, Ibadan from 1932-1938.

He also attended Ogbomoso People’s Institute, which was later changed to Ogbomoso Grammar School.

Before ascending the throne, Ajagungbade made fortune from the textile business and a chain of other business initiatives.

In 1967, he established a limited liability company called J.O. Oyewumi and Co Nigeria Ltd, which specialised in wholesale and retail trading. The business expanded to include real estate and hospitality.

He also established Terminus Hotel and El-Duniya Hotel in Jos.