By Lanre Olaleye
If the dead were to look back, Omo Oba Shaffy Adeleke Ajijola would have walked with pride among the saints seeing his children accord him a befitting burial to circle his 84 years sojourn on earth.
Omo Oba Ajijola who is the father of the Olu of Araromi Tope Eleranigbe monarch, Oba Hameed Adejoro Ajijola died on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023 after a brief illness.
Prior to his death, Pa Ajijola had requested his two sons, Hameed and Hakeem to give him a spectacular burial ceremony worthy of his standing as the Family Head of Ajijola Ruling House of Araromi Tope Eleranigbe in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Hence, the children spared no effort in ensuring their late father’s last wish came to pass. Being a devout Muslim, his remains were committed to mother earth the same day according to Islamic burial rites.
At the ripe age of 84, the demise of the top official of the United Nations was greeted with funfare as many attested to his good deeds while on earth.
SERVICE TO HUMANITY
At the twilight of his diplomatic career in the early 70s, the deceased contributed meaningfully to the human and capital development of his family and communities in both Araromi and Epe. A philanthropist with milk of kindness, it was to his credit that many indigenes rose from humble beginnings to the top of their careers through Pa Ajijola’s financial and moral support.
Little wonder why many sympathisers, old acquaintances, friends and relations trooped to the Ajijola Ruling House in Araromi to pay their last respect to Omo Oba Shaffy Adeleke Ajijola.
At the eight-day prayer held for the deceased at Ogudu, it was a tributary affair as Muslim clerics led by the Chief Imam of Epe, Sheikh Abdulateef Oladapo and ably assisted by the Chief Imam of Ibafo, Sheikh Abdulganiy Ajijola took stock of the good deeds of the deceased which has touched the lives of not quite a few as well as the Muslim communities in Epe and Araromi.
While praying for the repose of his soul, Sheikh Oladapo remarked that the deceased had lived a good life worthy of emulation, noting that he has lighted the path of his children and family members with good deeds that would gladdens God’s heart.
EPIC COLOURFUL FINAL BURIAL
Dateline: 21st October 2023 (Jubilee Chalets, Epe)
All roads led to Jubilee Chalets located along Chalet Road, off Obafemi Awolowo Road, Oke Oyinbo, Epe for the final burial ceremony of the late Olori Ebi of Iyalode/Erinle Family of Epe, Pa Shaffy Adeleke Ajijola who died 10th October, 2023.
For two days, preparations had been on for the impending event as Tolu Adeite Events were charged with lightning and decorations of the 1600 capacity hall. And what a superb job they did as the hall was not only well decorated but arrayed with the most modern fittings that gave the hall the most colourful spectacle. A 50 yard drive from the main gate somewhat engendered the curiosity of guests to know what was in the offing. And they were not disappointed as the serene environment dotted by white-colour chalets with beautiful lawns and flowers stylishly compliment the outdoor decorations in and around the hall.
The sweet aroma of sumptuous meals by Exclusive Parties which cascaded the air undoubtedly wet the appetite of the early callers.
As early as 11 a.m. when invited guests started arriving, it was evident everyone was in for an epic celebration of the life of an icon as camera men, photographers, journalists and bloggers took their strategic positions inside the hall.
First to arrive among invited dignitaries was Dr Bharat Soni, an Indian and CBN Consultant. Dressed in white short Agbada with a yellow cap to match, Dr Bharat who is an associate of Olu of Araromi drove into the event premises in a black Prado Jeep with two fully-armed police escorts. He was received by a visibly elated Eleranigbe monarch who gladly introduced him to his friends and uncles present.
At exactly 12:30 p.m. Oba Ajijola sauntered into the hall accompanied by relations and friends including Dr. Bharat who seemed to be captivated by the epoch Yoruba burial ceremony imbued in traditional fashion attire, music, food and dance. By 2:00 p.m. the hall was almost filled to the brim with the arrival of more important dignitaries.
ASSEMBLY OF ROYAL FATHERS
Perhaps, only the Alara of Ilara and the Oloja of Epe would have attracted more royal fathers than the Olu of Araromi, Oba (Dr.) Hameed Adejoro Ajijola at the burial of his late father, Omo Oba Shaffy Adeleke Ajijola. It was an array of royal fathers from the Lagos East Senatorial District of Lagos who honoured the young monarch with their presence.
The long list includes: The Alara of Ilara, Oba Ogunsanwo; Onibeju of Ibejuland, Oba Waliu Oguntolu; Ogunfayo of Iwereko, Oba Larris Idogun; Onisolu of Isolu Alade, Oba Muyideen Balogun; Omonla of Odo Mola, Oba Adebowale; Oba Lepia;
Oba Elemure, Ogun State and Gbadewolu of Odo Egiri, Oba Oluwo. They were joined by Opemoluwa of Ibeju, Chief Lasisi.
High Chief Kazeem Erinle, Baale Okegun led the Baales roll call which includes Baales of Aiyetoro, Baales of Arapagi, Baale of Ajegbawa, Baale Oko Oba, Baale Shapati, Baale Ipara, Baale Omi Pepeye, Baale Kayetoro, Baale Epetu and Baale Abule Aha.
Other dignitaries at the event include members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Biodun Tobun; Hon Seun Ogunkelu; Chief Eleku, Obafuwaji Epe; Chief Adeleke Ojomu, Olu Omo of Lakowe; Mr Olakere Odunsote; Ambassador Toyin; Dr Biodun Muritala, Accountant General of Lagos State; Hon Monsuru, Executive Chairman, Eredo Local Council Development Area; members of Epe Club among whom were Prof Onibon, Otunba Bayo Apena and Hon Giwa Alooma.
Also on the roll call were Mr and Mrs Irene Johnson, Hon Ahmodu Olarewaju, Pharm. Shakiru Muritala, Engr Kemi Muritala among others too numerous to mention.
KWAM 1 OR NOT
For adent Fuji music lovers, the presence of Mujeeb Iyanda Olubodun on the band stand evoke memory of KWAM 1as he serenaded the guests with sweet melodies likened to the Fuji icon.
In fact, hearing the music reverberating across the neighbourhood, many had thought it was the Fuji icon on the band stand. It was, however, a pleasant surprise as Iyanda Olubodun literally ditched music just like KWAM 1.
Interestingly, Olori Mariam Ajijola was the cynosure of all eyes when she stepped unto the dance floor accompanied by her husband and children. Cladding an elegant white Chivon with an emerald gold headgear, she looks quite royal for a queen to be adored by all and sundry. Her husband dutifully led the adoration by spraying her with lots of crisp naira notes to the admiration of the capacity cowd. Other invited dignitaries soon joined in appreciating Olori Mariam in raining naira notes on the delectable queen who literally stole the show in company of her friends.
With more than enough food and drinks as well as good music in a convivial atmosphere, the celebration of life of Pa Shaffy Adeleke Ajijola will surely linger in the memory of many for a long time to come.
