One King, Two Dates, Two Funerals: The Divided Farewell To Oba Aromolaran Of Ijesa

 

A disagreement has emerged among key stakeholders in Ijesaland over two separate sets of dates for the final funeral rites of the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland.

The Bepo-Aromolaran royal family, in partnership with the Ijesa Traditional Council, has scheduled a celebration of the monarch’s life on November 23 and 24, 2024.

Conversely, the Owa-in-Council and the Agba Ijesas have announced December 14 and 15, 2024, as the official burial dates.

The first son of the late king, Prince Adeola Aromolaran, supports the December dates endorsed by the Owa-in-Council and some members of the Agba Ijesas.

Meanwhile, the November dates have the backing of the king’s third wife, other royal family members, including Princes Adebiyi and Adegoke Aromolaran, and Princess Adetayo Aluko.

Within the Agba Ijesas themselves, there is a split: some support the November dates, while others align with the December schedule.

Osun Defender learnt that Ijesaland observes a mandatory 90-day mourning period before a monarch’s final burial can take place.

READ: 35 Princes Jostle For Owa Obokun Stool

Oba Aromolaran was declared dead on September 12, 2024, meaning the mourning period would end on December 11, 2024. Critics of the November funeral plan argue it violates this long-standing custom.

A renowned Ijesa chief stated, “Tradition requires the entire Ijesaland to observe a mandatory 90-day mourning period before determining the date of final burial.”

Another chief explained, “The decision of Prince Adeola and some Agba Ijesas to pick December 14 and 15, 2024, is accurate and in tandem with the traditions.”

Regarding the November ceremonies, the chief added, “The situation is more of a family issue than a community concern. The family’s disagreements could not help the community achieve an accord. The first son not really known or publicly associated with the late Owa and the rest of the family do not get along well, which is why the dates differ. However, the real date for the final burial of Late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran should be after December 11, 2024, when the 90-day period of mourning is over.”

The division has sparked debates over the proper handling of the monarch’s final rites. Some Ijesa chiefs argue that the November ceremonies disregard cultural norms, while others see them as a reflection of internal family tensions.

When asked about traditional chiefs and neighboring kings who may attend the November events, the chief responded, “All attendees who are traditional chiefs in Ilesa or kings from neighboring towns within Ijesaland are fully aware of the 90 mourning days.”

As of the time of filing this report, the burial service ceremony is ongoing at Methodist Cathedral, Otapete Ilesa.