Oba Dr. Yisa ‘Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan, the Onipokia of Ipokia, has died at the age of 55 in Houston, Texas, following complications from surgery.
The monarch reportedly passed away at St. Luke Hospital after undergoing an operation to treat a swallowing difficulty, bringing an end to his reign as the 46th Onipokia of Ipokia and one of Yewaland’s most influential traditional rulers.
Born on September 5, 1970, in Ilashe Quarters, Ipokia, to Prince Hamzat Akanbi Olaniyan of the Iwaye Dodo Ruling House, Oba Olaniyan spent several years in the United States before ascending the throne. While abroad, he established the Afro-Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards (AHBEAwards), a platform dedicated to promoting Nigerian culture among the diaspora.
He emerged as the unanimous choice among eight contenders for the royal stool and was presented with the staff of office by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on August 12, 2020. His coronation took place on September 5, 2020, coinciding with his 50th birthday.
Throughout his reign, the monarch championed education, infrastructure development and youth empowerment in Ipokia, while also pushing for the establishment of higher institutions in the area. In 2025, he was inducted into the Nigerian Books of Record Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to cultural preservation and leadership.
Oba Olaniyan celebrated both his fifth coronation anniversary and 55th birthday in September 2025 during a ceremony attended by prominent personalities and cultural figures. His last known public appearance was in April 2026 at a reception in Houston honouring Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo.
He is survived by his wife, Olori Folasade.
His passing leaves the Onipokia stool vacant, with the Iwaye Dodo Ruling House expected to begin the process of selecting a new traditional ruler for the Ipokia Kingdom.
