The unfolding events surrounding the Celebration of Life for the late Oba (Dr) Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LLD, the Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, have brought to light a series of troubling contradictions, misinformation from certain members of the Owa-in-Council. Central to these concerns is the mysterious figure referred to as “Prince Adeola Aromolaran,” whose absence at the event organised by the Owa-in-Council on 14th December 2024 has raised significant and legitimate questions about the individual’s existence, identity, and role in recent developments.
For months, some members of the Owa-in-Council positioned “Prince Adeola Aromolaran” as a central figure, repeatedly referencing him to discredit and oppose the Celebration of events successfully organised by the biological children and extended Bepo-Aromolaran family on 23rd and 24th November 2024. They claimed this so-called “Prince Adeola” to be the “heir apparent” and presented him as a voice of authority against the family’s plans. However, when the Owa-in-Council’s own event took place on 14th December 2024, the absence of this individual became glaringly obvious and exposed the contradictions in their narrative.
If “Prince Adeola” is truly the person they claim him to be, his failure to attend an event supposedly organised in his honour, discretion, and timing demands immediate answers. How can someone allegedly so significant fail to appear at a ceremony where his presence was expected to solidify his legitimacy? This absence casts doubt not only on the authenticity of this individual but also on the motives of those who continue to use his name as a tool to divide the family and manipulate public opinion.
On numerous occasions, the family has clarified that the real Prince Adeola Aromolaran left Nigeria over 45 years ago, changed his name, and has had no contact with the family, the palace, or traditional institutions since then. For decades, this individual has played no role in the life of the late Oba or the wider family. He was absent before Oba Aromolaran II’s ascension to the throne. This individual was also absent throughout Oba Aromolaran II’s reign and during critical moments, including Oba Aromolaran II’s illness, passing, and burial preparations. Most members of the biological family, including close relatives, have neither seen nor heard from him for decades. This raises troubling concerns regarding the Owa-in-Council’s narrative:
• Do the chiefs themselves recognise this individual, and if so, how?
• Why was this “Prince Adeola Aromolaran” not subjected to the same unreasonable financial demands imposed on the family under the guise of performing traditional rites?
• Why does this individual remain hidden, operating through intermediaries and written statements?
• Can he make a public appearance or provide verifiable proof of his identity through a video statement?
These critical questions remain unanswered. The refusal to provide clarity suggests that the figure known as “Prince Adeola” is either a fabricated entity or an impostor being strategically positioned to further an agenda of division and control. The absence of this individual at the Owa-in-Council’s own event only reinforces the belief that his name is being exploited to serve personal or political interests.
Furthermore, observers have noted deliberate sabotage and interference orchestrated by certain members of the Owa-in-Council. These efforts appear to have been calculated to undermine the family’s Celebration of Life events on 23rd November 2024, which were widely recognised as a success. Reports indicate that the chiefs worked tirelessly to discourage vendors, stakeholders, and supporters from participating in the family’s well-organised events. Most notably, there is credible evidence suggesting that deliberate attempts were made to prevent the Osun State Government from extending its support to the family. Such interference not only sought to undermine the success of the Celebration of Life but also revealed a disturbing intent to isolate the family and disrupt their unity as well as getting government funds into the wrong hands!
It is worth recalling that the chiefs initially justified their opposition by invoking a “90-day mourning period,” claiming that no events should take place within this time. Yet, in a contradictory and hypocritical move, the same chiefs organised celebratory events, including birthdays, chieftaincy award ceremonies, and other leisure activities, which is counterintuitive to the solemnity expected during a mourning period they had described as sacred. Their actions clearly expose a lack of sincerity and raise questions about their commitment to tradition. If this period was genuinely sacred, why abandon it to hold a public event? Their behaviour undermines the very cultural values they claim to defend and reveals the self-serving nature of their agenda.
In addition to these issues, the matter of condolence funds still arises. Since the passing of Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, dignitaries, traditional societies, and members of the community contributed substantial financial donations and gifts, reportedly amounting to millions of naira. Traditionally, such funds are intended to offset burial expenses and support the rites necessary to honour the departed monarch. However, instead of utilising these resources transparently, certain chiefs imposed undue financial demands on the biological children, placing them under immense pressure. To date, there has been no public accounting of how these significant contributions have been managed or allocated. This glaring lack of transparency undermines public trust and raises serious concerns about the motives of those responsible for handling these funds.
Despite these orchestrated efforts to sabotage their plans, the Celebration of Life events held on 23rd and 24th November 2024 were a resounding success. The biological children and the extended Bepo-Aromolaran family came together with unity, dignity, and transparency to honour Oba Aromolaran II in a manner befitting his extraordinary life and legacy. Respected dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers attended the events, offering overwhelming support for the family’s efforts.
For the avoidance of doubt, the 14th December 2024 event was entirely the initiative of the Owa-in-Council. The biological children and the wider family had no input, participation, or involvement in its planning or execution. While the chiefs are within their rights to hold their own events, it must be made clear that this occasion does not represent the family or their commitment to honouring the late monarch’s memory. Furthermore, it is possible that their initial aim of receiving, controlling, and diverting funds from government and other corporate individuals has been fully achieved. However, accountability for such funds should be morally, willingly, and rightfully provided to Owa Aromolaran II's immediate family, the Bepo Aromolaran dynasty, and the entire Ijesas, who are all stakeholders.
In light of these troubling developments, there is now a growing demand for the Owa-in-Council to address the following issues with full transparency and accountability:
1. Verification of the identity of “Prince Adeola Aromolaran” through a credible public appearance or video statement.
2. A public explanation and accounting of condolence funds contributed and other funds received in honour of the late Oba, with clarity on how these funds have been managed.
3. An end to misinformation, divisive rhetoric, and deliberate efforts to undermine the family’s unity and collective plans.
4. Pictures, videos or other evidences to show the presence of "Prince Adeola Aromolaran" at the 14th and 15th December event for which his name was used severally (heir apparent, authentic first born, progenitor etc) to secure funds from corporate bodies, individuals and various government authorities, in the absence of which a detailed explanation on why he was absent from the occasion should be provided! The whole Ijesas are waiting for these explanations.
The legacy of Oba (Dr) Adekunle Aromolaran II remains one of progress, unity, and service to Ijesaland. It is imperative that his memory is preserved with the respect and dignity it deserves. Those who seek to manipulate narratives, exploit traditions, or foster division do a disservice not only to his legacy but also to the Ijesa community at large.
It is now incumbent upon all stakeholders to act with integrity, sincerity, and accountability. The truth can not be silenced, and history will judge those who acted dishonourably and with deceit.
e-Signed:
Heads of Bepo-Aromolaran dynasty of Ijesaland
Biological Children of Owa Aromolaran II
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