It was a rare fusion of fashion, culture, and heartfelt emotion as the Creative Director and Chief Executive Officer of DLX Designs, Prince Sulaiman Adeleye Adeyemi, gave his grandmother a burial ceremony that turned Ibadan into a hub of style, dignity, and celebration of legacy.

Branded by many attendees as “a burial done in elegance,” the final rites of Alhaja Mariat Iyabo Azeez Alaro (née Olanrewaju) reflected not only the depth of love from her family but also the creative imprint of a fashion visionary paying tribute in the language he knows best, style.

The event, held at the prestigious Watershed Event Centre along Old Ife Road, Ibadan, was transformed into a spectacle of colour, culture, and couture, fitting for the matriarch of a family whose grandson has built a thriving fashion brand.

From the entrance to the field to the coordinated outfits worn by family members, everything bore the signature touch of DLX Designs, a brand renowned for its mastery of both native and English wear, as well as bespoke designer outfits.

Prince Adeleye, popularly known in fashion circles as the brain behind DLX, ensured that the celebration of life mirrored the grace, dignity, and strength his grandmother embodied while alive.

Guests arriving at the venue were greeted by a parade of exquisitely dressed mourners, with fabrics carefully chosen to balance solemnity and sophistication, a subtle reminder that fashion can tell stories beyond glamour.

The atmosphere was both reflective and celebratory, as prayers, tributes, and memories flowed freely, painting the picture of Alhaja Mariat Iyabo Azeez Alaro as a woman of faith, resilience, and deep family values.

Dignitaries from across the country thronged the event, cutting across business, entertainment, fashion, and religious circles, a testament to the wide network and influence Prince Sulaiman has cultivated over the years.

The roll call of attendees underscored the respect commanded by the DLX brand and its founder, as well as the high esteem in which the family of the deceased is held.

Adding a vibrant musical soul to the gathering was renowned Fuji maestro, Alhaji Sulaiman Alao Malaika Qiblah Fuji, whose electrifying performance kept the audience engaged while maintaining the spiritual tone of the occasion.

With his signature vocals and rich Fuji rhythms, Malaika delivered soul-stirring songs that resonated deeply with the audience, blending praise, prayers, and philosophical reflections on life and death.

The music served as a reminder that Yoruba burial ceremonies are not only moments of mourning but also celebrations of a life well lived, a theme that echoed throughout the programme.

For Prince Sulaiman, the event was more than a family obligation; it was a personal statement of gratitude to a grandmother whose influence, according to close associates, shaped his discipline, humility, and creative drive.

Observers could not help but note how seamlessly fashion and tradition coexisted at the ceremony, reinforcing DLX Designs’ reputation as a brand rooted in culture yet fluent in contemporary expression.

Family members coordinated in stunning outfits that subtly told a visual story of unity, heritage, and pride, drawing admiration from guests who praised the attention to detail.

The décor, lighting, and seating arrangement complemented the fashion narrative, creating an immersive experience that felt less like a conventional burial and more like a dignified cultural showcase.