Iléṣà town, the capital of the historic kingdom Ijeshaland came alive on the 23rd of November during the celebration of Life of His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II. CFR, LLD, PhD, the Owa –Obokun Adimula & Paramount Ruler of Ijeshaland. As early as 9’oclock, the Methodist Church Cathedral, Otapete, Ilesha, was filled to the brim with the Bepo-Aromolaran Royal Family, other Royal family members, and friends from all over the world, getting ready for solemn thanksgiving and memorial service.

The solemn service started when the Prelate and other officiating Episcopates entered the nave with opening hymns, declaration of purpose, and bible readings. Carefully selected hymns sung by the mass choir and the congregation brought heaven down to earth during the service. In his homily, His Grace Most Rev. Lawrence Ayo Sanda Ladgbolu extolled the virtues of the Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran both as a King and as a Christian enjoined the congregation to live the life of a true Christian.

Shortly after the Thanksgiving and Memorial Service, guests were  entertained at the unique, serene & tranquil Zenababs Half Moon Resort Ilesha. It was a carnival of some sort as family members, friends, and other invited guests danced to the melodic tune of the legendary Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey MFR,  just as food and drinks flowed ceaselessly throughout the reception party. Over 2,500 guests attended the reception party planned by AZ Event Experts, one of the leading event planner in South West Nigeria.

Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II’s 42-year reign is widely celebrated as a transformative period of growth, unity, and cultural revival of Ijeshaland that saw Ijeshaland evolve socially and economically, blending tradition with modernization. As Owa-Obokun, Oba Aromolaran II was a steward of the rich traditions of Ijesaland and the Yoruba people. His reign was marked by his deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity. He ensured that traditional festivals like the Iwude Ijesha Festival and other cultural celebrations were maintained and enhanced, contributing to the preservation and celebration of Yoruba identity.The celebration of life service and reception must have come and gone, but the legacies of Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran will forever be cherished by the good people of Ijeshaland and by extension, Osun State.