A photograph of Oba Daniel Anirare Aladesanmi II recalls the reign of one of the most prominent traditional rulers in the history of Ado-Ekiti.
Born in 1902, he was the son of Oba Ajimudaoro Aladesanmi I, the 16th Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. He later became the 18th Ewi, ascending the throne on 18 June 1937 and reigning until his death on 7 January 1983.
Before becoming monarch, Aladesanmi received his education at St Andrewโs College, Oyo, and worked in the Department of Railways. His educational background and experience outside the traditional institution distinguished him during a period when Nigeria was undergoing significant political and social change.
His reign spanned the final decades of British colonial rule, Nigeriaโs independence in 1960 and the early years of military government. Throughout these changing times, he remained a central figure in the traditional leadership of Ado-Ekiti.
His reign is associated with development efforts in the town, including the construction of a new palace and road improvements. These projects reflected the changing needs of Ado-Ekiti as it developed into an important urban centre in present-day Ekiti State.
In recognition of his contributions to public life and nation-building, Oba Aladesanmi II received the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 1978.
He died on 7 January 1983 after nearly 46 years on the throne, leaving behind a significant place in the history of Ado-Ekiti and its traditional institution.
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