By Bepo Aromolaran Family of Ijesaland
The Bepo-Aromolaran dynasty of Ijesaland wishes to address recent publications, radio jingles, and unfounded allegations aimed at discrediting the Celebration of Life events held in honour of our late father, Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, on 23rd and 24th November 2024. It is essential to provide clarity, ensuring the facts are preserved, and our father’s legacy is honoured
THE PASSING OF OBA AROMOLARAN II
The passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, marked the end of an era and presented significant challenges for both the traditional and immediate family. As soon as Owa Aromolaran II passed, it became evident that the traditional chiefs were uncertain about the necessary proceedings. This was somewhat understandable, as the last demise of an Owa occurred over 42 years ago, leading to a considerable gap in institutional knowledge and procedural clarity.
Regrettably, this uncertainty resulted in a failure of Owa in Council chiefs’ duty of care towards the immediate family of Owa Aromolaran II. Rather than providing guidance and support, the chiefs resorted to demanding frivolous payments and engaging in actions that amounted to extortion. This disorganised and coercive approach placed an undue burden on the family during an already difficult time. The chiefs explicitly threatened that the rites would not be performed unless these payments were made. The family was placed under immense duress and compelled to make the payment as demanded by the chiefs for the traditional burial rites. Evidence of these payments is retained. Despite the numerous challenges, the family remained cooperative with the chiefs to uphold the cultural and traditional significance of the rites. However, even after receiving these funds, conflicts of interest among the chiefs resulted in the emergence of factions. These factions further harassed the family with additional unexplained demands, often accompanied by threats of spiritual repercussions for non-compliance, compounding the strain on the family.
Since the passing of Owa Aromolaran II, numerous dignitaries, traditional societies, and community members have paid condolence visits to the palace, contributing significant financial donations and other gifts. Reports indicate that these donations amount to several millions of naira. Information from some elders confirmed that traditional rites bills were usually settled with such funds.
However, there has been a glaring lack of transparency regarding how these condolence funds have been managed or allocated by the Owa in Council.
SELECTION OF 23rd AND 24th NOVEMBER 2024 AS THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE EVENTS DATES FOR LATE OWA AROMOLARAN II
The dates for the Celebration of Life of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, were thoughtfully and collectively chosen after extensive discussions among all the biological children and the wider Bepo-Aromolaran family. While 9th November 2024 was initially proposed, logistical considerations, including work schedules and travel plans, led to the decision to hold the celebration on 23rd and 24th November 2024 as the most suitable dates.
Also considered was a publication circulated on the 17th September 2024 by the Odole Owa of Ilesa, publicly marking the end of the mourning period via a social media post as seen below:
The family took deliberate steps to immediately inform the Ijesa Traditional Council of the chosen dates:
• On 4th October 2024, family representatives visited the Reagent of Ijesaland, the Obaala of Ilesa, who acknowledged the dates and wished the family well. No objections were raised, and there was no mention of a “90-day mourning period.”
• A formal letter, dated 4th October 2024, was sent to the Ijesa Traditional Council, officially notifying them and inviting their participation in the events.
At this point, the family was not aware of any factions among the traditional chiefs. All engagements were conducted in good faith, and the absence of objections from the council or the Reagent affirmed the chosen dates, allowing the family to proceed confidently with their plans. The intentions to cooperate and collaborate fully with the council were further demonstrated by the published invitations (IVs), which clearly indicated the family’s alignment with and respect for the Ijesa Traditional Council.
It was on the strength of the reassurances provided by the traditional chiefs that the family made the necessary arrangements, including booking flights, engaging vendors financially, and making hotel reservations. These commitments were made to ensure the smooth execution of the planned events, reflecting the family’s trust in the process and their dedication to honouring Kabiyesi’s legacy.
To support the events financially, a separate account was opened, and contributions were made by the children and key members of the Bepo-Aromolaran family, including the Aleki of Ileki-Ijesa and the Onikedun of Ikedun-Ijesa.
These funds were instrumental in securing venues, engaging music providers, and dispatching invitations. This collaborative effort underscores the unity and dedication of the family in honouring Owa Aromolaran II’s legacy with dignity and respect.
It is worthy to note that Owa Aromolaran II’s first born was one of the first people to contribute a substantial amount into this account, as the eldest child and in total support for the proposal.
THE EMERGENCE OF A 90-DAY MOURNING PERIOD NARRATIVE AND DIRECT SABOTAGE BY SOME TRADITIONAL CHIEFS
Despite prior agreements and the extensive preparations already underway, the Owa-in-Council unexpectedly introduced a claim of a mandatory 90-day mourning period that must be observed before any social activity can be held. This narrative had not been mentioned in any prior discussions with the family and was accompanied by the announcement of separate dates (14th and 15th December 2024) for their own events, which the family only recently became aware of via informal channels including rumours making the rounds on social media platforms.
These actions appeared to undermine the family’s well-advanced plans for the Celebration of Life on 23rd and 24th November 2024.
The introduction of the 90-day mourning period narrative also came at a time when the family had already made significant financial and logistical commitments.
Reassurances from the council had led to vendor engagements, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and financial contributions, all of which were finalized.
The sudden shift in stance would not only jeopardize these plans but also create unnecessary tension and confusion.
As events unfolded, it became clear that the chiefs had differing agendas.
While they publicly claimed to be observing a mourning period, their actions painted a contradictory picture. Several chiefs were openly seen at celebratory events, including birthdays, chieftaincy award ceremonies, and other leisure activities, which is counterintuitive to the solemnity expected during a mourning period.
These actions called into question the sincerity of their narrative and further strained the relationship between the family and the council. Meanwhile, the chiefs continued with the serious propaganda being circulated on social media against the children and family’s plan to celebrate the Life and Times of their father, the Late Owa Aromolaran II, on the 23rd and 24th November 2024, referring to the mourning period as the reason. All these in our opinion have some other hidden agenda beyond mourning. Probably the interest is in the expected government support to the programme, which may also be managed like the condolence funds.
The chiefs’ actions extended beyond public contradictions and entered the realm of direct sabotage.
They actively worked to dissuade others from supporting the family. For instance, International Breweries, which had initially promised to support the family, unexpectedly withdrew its commitment two days before the event. This last-minute disappointment, which appeared to be influenced by external pressures from the chiefs, added significant strain to the family’s efforts to honour the late monarch’s legacy.
In response, the family convened a meeting with elders and the Olori Ebi (family head), reaffirming their decision to proceed with the original dates of 23rd and 24th November 2024. This decision was grounded in the understanding that various groups could independently celebrate the late monarch’s legacy without interference or discredit.
However the Owa in council chiefs continued their propaganda campaign of attempting to discredit the dates chosen by the children. They never relented even till the event day!
QUESTIONING THE IDENTITY OF “PRINCE ADEOLA AROMOLARAN”
The Owa-in-Council has consistently cited one “Prince Adeola Aromolaran” as Owa Aromolaran II’s first legitimate child and “heir apparent”, supporting their selected dates and opposing the family’s plans for the Celebration of Life of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Adekunle Aromolaran II.
However, the Bepo-Aromolaran dynasty strongly clarifies the following:
- Authenticity of Prince Adeola Aromolaran:
The genuine Prince Adeola Aromolaran, recognised as the first child of Owa Aromolaran II, departed Nigeria over 45 years ago, well before his father’s ascension to the throne. Since his departure, he has changed his name and no longer bears the surname “Aromolaran.” Additionally, he no longer bears the name “Adeola” and he neither maintained contact with the immediate family nor participated in any family engagements, including during Oba Aromolaran II’s illnesses or other significant family events over the decades.
- Non-Recognition by Immediate Family:
Given his prolonged absence and complete lack of communication, many of Oba Aromolaran II’s biological children and immediate family members do not recognise or know this individual over the past 45 years. Therefore, claims of his recent involvement in family or council matters are implausible and raise serious questions about the legitimacy of such assertions.
- Engagement with the Owa in Council:
It is highly questionable how the Owa-in-Council claims to have engaged with someone they refer to as “Prince Adeola Aromolaran.” No credible evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims or confirm the individual’s identity.
The family strongly suspects that the Owa-in-Council is attempting to weaponise his name to suit ulterior motives, create division, and discredit legitimate family decisions. This is a concerning tactic that undermines the trust and unity necessary for a dignified celebration of Kabiyesi’s life.
- Demand for Verification:
The family demands that the Owa-in-Council present the individual they are referring to as “Prince Adeola Aromolaran” for verification. Evidence suggests that an impostor may be posing as Prince Adeola Aromolaran. If such a person truly exists as claimed, the following questions arise:
o Do the chiefs themselves recognise this individual? How?
o Why was this “Prince Adeola Aromolaran” not subjected to the same financial demands that were directed at the family by the chiefs for necessary traditional rites?
o Why is this individual hiding behind written communications?
o Can he make a public appearance or at least verify his identity via a video statement?
The misuse of this name has created unnecessary discord and confusion.
Without credible evidence, the Bepo-Aromolaran dynasty cannot accept unsubstantiated claims that this individual is actively involved or opposing the family’s plans.
The immediate family views the invocation of “Prince Adeola Aromolaran” as a deliberate tactic to undermine their decisions and foster division. Despite these efforts, the family remains steadfast and united in its commitment to honouring Owa Aromolaran II’s legacy with dignity and respect. They also vow to challenge any attempts to manipulate narratives for personal or political gain, ensuring that the truth prevails.
CONCLUSION
The Bepo-Aromolaran dynasty of Ijesaland remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the legacy of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LLD, a revered monarch whose life exemplified dignity, service, and unity.
Despite the significant challenges faced, ranging from financial extortion to deliberate misinformation and attempts at sabotage, the family has demonstrated resilience, transparency, and unwavering respect for cultural traditions.
It is regrettable that some members of the traditional council have chosen to act in ways that contradict the values of integrity and communal harmony that Oba Aromolaran II championed. However, the family refuses to be divided or discredited by unfounded allegations or the manipulation of facts.
The Bepo-Aromolaran dynasty remains united in its purpose, standing as one, and we are grateful to everyone who has supported us in ensuring that Oba Aromolaran II’s memory is celebrated with the dignity and respect he richly deserves.
As we move forward, we call for accountability, transparency, and mutual respect among all stakeholders. We appeal to the Ijesa community and well-meaning individuals to disregard false narratives and join us in preserving the legacy of Oba Aromolaran II as a beacon of unity, tradition, and progress for generations to come.
The Bepo-Aromolaran dynasty celebrated the Life and Times of Late Owa Aromolaran II on 23rd and 24th November 2024, and the occasion was a huge success by any standard. Any other celebrations including the ones being planned by the Owa in Council for the 14th and 15th December 2024 DOES NOT HAVE ANY BEPO-AROMOLARAN FAMILY INPUT! It is simply the Owa in Council members’ show to which they are entitled and the family has no objections. It is purely the High Chief’s affairs
We members of the Bepo Aromolaran dynasty of Ijesaland still have some outstanding activities in our celebration of life plans for the late Owa Aromolaran II. We are therefore still expecting the state and federal government funds towards our outstanding planned Celebration of Life events.
The truth will always prevail, and we remain resolute in our commitment to honouring our father’s remarkable legacy with integrity and grace.
Signed by:
HEADS OF THE BEPO-AROMOLARAN ROYAL FAMILY:
- The Aleki of Ileki-Ijesa
- The Onikedun of Ikedun-Ijesa
- Elder Adebisi Aromolaran
- Prince Adedeji Aromolaran
- Prince Adebiyi Aromolaran
- Prince Adedotun Aromolaran
- Prince Adeyemi Aromolaran
- Prince Adewale Aromolaran
- Prince Adeseun Aromolaran
- Prince Adebayo Aromolaran
- Prince Adegoke Aromolaran
- Prince Adegboyega Aromolaran
- Prince Adedapo Aromolaran
- Princess Adebukola Aromolaran
- Princess Adebola Akintayo (née Aromolaran)
- Princess Adetayo Aluko (née Aromolaran)
- Princess Aderonke Omotola (née Aromolaran)
- Princess Tiwalade Aromolaran
- Princess Adeshola Aromolaran
- Princess Adewumi Aromolaran
- Princess Adefunke Adesina (née Aromolaran)
- Princess Adetola Ajao (née Aromolaran)
- Princess Taiwo Aromolaran
- Princess Kehinde Aromolaran
