The once harmonious relationship between the Owa-in-Council and the family of the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, has soured following the monarch’s death.
In a bitter clash that has rocked the Ijesa community, the late king’s children and relatives have accused the council of extorting them.
The family has been vocal about the financial burden imposed on them during an already difficult time, with claims that the Owa-in-Council demanded excessive payments for traditional rites under duress.
“We were threatened with spiritual repercussions if we did not comply with their demands,” said the family, who spoke out through their representative, Elder Adebisi Aromolaran.
The controversy began after the late monarch’s passing, with family members expressing concern over what they described as “phantom rites” – unnecessary and unexplained ceremonies that seemed designed to force payments from the family.
In a direct response to the allegations, Chief Bola Orolugbagbe, the Odole Owa of Ijesaland, dismissed the claims, urging the family to name the chiefs involved in the alleged extortion. “Tell them to name the chiefs that are extorting them,” Orolugbagbe said. “We are free, so they should provide the names of those chiefs, and we can take legal action if needed.”
The family, however, remains adamant that the lack of transparency in the handling of funds, particularly condolence donations amounting to millions of naira, has created a climate of distrust.
“The chiefs’ actions have undermined the family’s dignity during this grieving period. Instead of providing support, they resorted to coercion and forced us to make payments that were later found to have no clear purpose,” the family explained.
The situation escalated with the introduction of a 90-day mourning period by the Owa-in-Council, a decision that clashed with the family’s earlier plans for a “Celebration of Life” event for the late Oba. This sudden change caused logistical and financial difficulties, including the withdrawal of sponsorship commitments from organizations that had previously pledged support.
Family members revealed that they only learned of the change through informal channels, such as social media rumors, which further deepened the mistrust between them and the chiefs.
“The chiefs have manipulated the situation to undermine our plans,” the family said. “We were blindsided by the separate events they organized for themselves, which were in direct competition with our own well-planned celebration.”
The family’s frustration has been compounded by the contradictory behavior of the Owa-in-Council chiefs. While publicly claiming to observe a mourning period, several chiefs were seen attending celebratory events, including birthdays and award ceremonies, leading to questions about their sincerity.
“These chiefs have acted in ways that are completely at odds with the solemnity of the occasion. Their actions raise doubts about their true intentions,” the family remarked, further accusing the council of spreading false narratives to discredit their plans.
The situation took a more dramatic turn when a major brewery company, which had initially pledged sponsorship for the “Celebration of Life” event, withdrew its support just days before the event, citing external pressure. The family believes this withdrawal was a direct result of the chiefs’ interference.
Despite the turmoil, the family has remained resolute, determined to uphold the legacy of their father, Oba Aromolaran II, with dignity. “We are united in our purpose, and we will not be swayed by false allegations or attempts to divide us,” the family declared.
In their statement, the family called for transparency, accountability, and mutual respect from the Owa-in-Council and other stakeholders involved in the burial rites. They also appealed to the wider Ijesa community to disregard false narratives being circulated and to support their efforts to honor the late monarch.
“We call on the Ijesa community to stand with us in preserving the legacy of Oba Aromolaran II. Let us come together to celebrate his memory as a beacon of unity, tradition, and progress for future generations,” the family concluded.
As the burial ceremony for the late monarch approaches, scheduled for December 14, 2024, the dispute remains unresolved, casting a shadow over what should have been a unifying moment for the Ijesa people.
