King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at just three years old, has died in Uganda aged 34.
The traditional ruler of the Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda died on Thursday, according to the kingdom’s Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who announced his death on Friday.
BBC reported on Friday that the cause of death was not disclosed.
However, Ugandan media quoted a government minister as saying the monarch had been critically ill and was receiving 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.
The Tooro Kingdom, also known as Toro, is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms. Although Uganda is governed by an elected president and the traditional kingdoms have no constitutional political authority, they retain considerable cultural influence.
Oyo was the 13th monarch of Tooro, a kingdom founded in the early 19th Century.
He became a prominent cultural figure in Uganda during his reign and was known for supporting causes including youth empowerment, education, climate conservation and HIV/AIDS awareness, according to Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper.
Although Oyo was not officially married, the Tooro Kingdom said the royal succession would continue.
Akiiki said the late monarch had left behind a son who would serve as his heir.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” he said.
“His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.”
The Tooro Kingdom follows a hereditary system in selecting its monarch.
The announcement of Oyo’s death prompted tributes from other traditional institutions in Uganda.
The Buganda Kingdom, the country’s largest and most influential traditional institution, expressed its condolences to the people of Tooro, describing Oyo as a valuable figure to Uganda.
Oyo’s death brings to an end a 31-year reign that began when he was a three-year-old child and continued through his adulthood.
His unusual journey from child king to an influential traditional leader made him one of Uganda’s best-known royal figures.
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