Seasoned legal practitioner and Osun state governorship hopeful, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), popularly known as K-RAD as mourned the passing of the passing of the late Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun.
The monarch died on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the age of 67 after a brief illness.
His departure was announced in a statement signed and released by his son, Prince David Adekunle Famodun, on behalf of the Gbeleru Royal Family of Igbajo.
“On behalf of the Gbeleru Royal Family of Igbajo, I write with a deep sense of loss and gratitude to Almighty God to notify you of the passing of our revered traditional ruler and the 30th Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Philip Adegbogbega Famodun III. He passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, after a brief illness.
“As you may recall, Oba Adegboyega Famodun was installed and presented with the staff of office on 24 November 2022, by the former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola. Although his position was disputed by a white paper issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State High Court reinstated him on January 30, 2025,” Prince Famodun announced.
Reacting to the monarch’s passing, Adegoke in a statement he personally signed and obtained by NewsClick Nigeria on Sunday eulogised the late monarch describing him as a peace, dignity who showed unwaivering commitment to the progress of his people.
‘I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III, the revered Owa of Igbajoland, who joined his ancestors on Friday, November 28, 2025, after a brief illness.
Kabiyesi was a man of peace, dignity, and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people. Since his installation on November 24, 2022, Oba Famodun embodied the finest qualities of leadership—courage in moments of uncertainty, wisdom in times of disagreement, and a rare ability to unite hearts across divides. His spirited defence of his throne, culminating in his reinstatement by the Osun State High Court on January 30, 2025, stands as a testament to his resilience and faith in justice,’ the statement read in part.
The legal giant recalled the political sagacity of the late monarch saying his exemplary leadership provided victory for the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and All Progressives Congress, APC.
‘As a politician, his exemplary leadership provided victory for our party, (Action Congress of Nigeria and later, All Progressives Congress) in difficult and perilous times. Kabiyesi was a great political tactician whose selfless leadership brought joy to our noble party.
Throughout his reign, the Owa of Igbajoland worked tirelessly to build harmony, strengthen communal bonds, and accelerate development. He was a bridge between generations, a calm voice in turbulent times, and a symbol of the enduring values of Igbajo people.
His transition at 67 years of age is a monumental loss—not only to the Gbeleru Royal Family and the entire Igbajo community, but to Osun State as a whole. Kabiyesi’s footprints—of peace, inclusiveness, and visionary leadership—will continue to guide his people for generations to come.
On behalf of myself, my family, and the entire KRAD political family, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Gbeleru Royal Family, the Igbajo community, and all who mourn this great monarch. May the Almighty grant comfort to his loved ones and grant us all the fortitude to bear this painful loss.
May the noble soul of Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III rest in perfect peace. Amen,’ the statement concluded.
