World’s youngest reigning monarch, King Oyo, dies at 34

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at the age of three, has died in Uganda at 34. The traditional ruler of the Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda died on Thursday, with the kingdom’s Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, announcing his death on Friday. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. However, Ugandan media reported that the monarch had been critically ill and receiving treatment in the United States. In a statement 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.