Nollywood stars including Seyi Edun and Mr Latin have paid emotional tributes to the Onipokia of Ipokia, Oba Yisa Olaniyan, who died at 55

The Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Yisa Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan, passed away at the age of 55 on 27 June 2026, following complications reportedly linked to a surgical procedure, triggering widespread mourning across Ipokia Kingdom in Yewa, Ogun State, and beyond.

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News of the monarch’s death on Sunday, 29 June 2026, was confirmed across local and entertainment circles, with Nollywood figures and community members paying heartfelt tributes to a ruler widely described as humble, generous, and deeply supportive of the creative industry.

Among those who reacted was actress Seyi Edun, who expressed shock and sadness over the monarch’s passing, describing the news as difficult to accept.

“Haaa Kabiyesi. I’m speechless. I don’t wanna believe this news, I’m still in shock. May your kind soul rest in peace. Your good legacy lives on. May God console your family,” she wrote.

President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr Latin, also paid tribute, highlighting the monarch’s long-standing humility and support for people, particularly those in the creative sector.

He said the late king’s generosity had personally impacted his life, describing him as a compassionate leader whose legacy would endure.

“Long before he ascended the throne, his humility, kindness, and willingness to help others were unmatched. I am personally a beneficiary of his generosity,” he said.

Other entertainers, including Akin Boss, shared emotional reflections on their relationship with the monarch, describing him as a supportive figure who made life easier for many and helped connect people to opportunities.

Actor Jigan Baba Oja simply reacted with shock, while Funke Etti described him as a “very nice man.”

The Onipokia of Ipokia, who reportedly lived in the United States for over two decades before ascending the throne, was installed as the 46th traditional ruler of Ipokia in 2020 and reigned until 2026.

During his tenure, he was widely credited with supporting community development initiatives and strengthening ties between the kingdom and its indigenes abroad.

His passing has left a noticeable void in the community, with many residents describing him as a monarch who prioritised unity, cultural preservation, and the welfare of his people.

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As tributes continue to pour in, the late monarch is being remembered not only for his royal duties but also for the personal connections he maintained with individuals across different sectors, particularly in entertainment and youth development.