World’s youngest reigning monarch, 34, dies
The world’s youngest monarch has died at the age of 34, more than three decades after coming to the throne.
Uganda’s King Oyo IV, whose full name was Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi, became king of Tooro when he was just three years old in 1995 following the death of his father.
King Oyo, of the Kingdom of Tooro in Uganda, has died aged 34. The monarch, who was pictured here aged 10 during a visit to Denver in the US with his mother, was suffering a serious illness, according to reports. Glenn Asakawa/The Denver Post via Getty Images
His passing was announced by Uganda’s prime minister, who did not give a cause of death.
A Ugandan government minister was quoted in local media saying the late king had been critical ill and had been receiving treatment in the US, the BBC has reported.
The Tooro kingdom, in western Uganda, is one of several traditional kingdoms in the African nation that have significant cultural influence despite not having political power. The country is governed by an elected president and parliament.
King Oyo, who ruled over two million people, was listed named by the Guinness World Records list as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
A regency was declared when Oyo became king until his 18th birthday when there was a coronation.
His kingdom was founded in the early 19th century and he was its 13th monarch.
Tooro’s Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki described the death of King Oro 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,” Akiiki said on Friday.
“May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace.”
While King Oyo was not married, Akiiki said “the continuity of the Crown is assured”.
Tooro is a hereditary monarchy.
“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,” he explained.
Other traditional kingdoms have joined with Tooro in mourning the late monarch.
The Buganda Kingdom, Uganda’s largest and most influential traditional monarchy, described Oyo as a valuable figure to Uganda.
The Twenzururu Kingdom expressed its condolences to “all those mourning this great loss”.
King Oyo was known for promoting causes such as youth empowerment, education and climate conservation, as well as HIV/Aids awareness, according to the BBC.
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