King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after taking the throne at the age of three, has died in Uganda at 34.
The Tooro Kingdom monarch, who ruled over the traditional kingdom in western Uganda, passed away on Thursday, according to the kingdom’s Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki. His death was formally announced on Friday.
The BBC reported that no official cause of death had been given.
However, Ugandan media reports quoted a government minister as saying the king had been seriously ill and was undergoing medical treatment in the United States.
Announcing his death, Akiiki described the monarch’s passing as an “immeasurable loss” to the royal family and the people of Tooro.
“I call upon all the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this profoundly difficult time,” he said.
“May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace.”
Oyo became king in 1995 following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Rukidi III, when he was only three years old.
Because of his age, a regency was established, with the queen mother among those overseeing the kingdom until Oyo reached adulthood.
He was formally crowned at the age of 18 in 2010.
Guinness World Records listed Oyo as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, a distinction he held after inheriting the throne as a toddler.