Oluwo: Awujale's burial marks Liberation of Yoruba Monarchs from ritual bondage

 

Oluwo: Awujale’s Burial Marks Liberation of Yoruba Monarchs from Ritual Bondage


The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has hailed the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a historic turning point for the Yoruba traditional institution—describing it as a liberation from ritual bondage and a restoration of dignity to the royal stool.

Oba Akanbi praised the fact that the Awujale was buried according to Islamic rites without being subjected to traditional practices such as body mutilation or ritual cannibalism, which he likened to "butchering."

Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was laid to rest the following day in line with Islamic traditions. Security personnel ensured the burial went as planned, fending off attempts by traditionalists to enforce ritual rites. Governor Dapo Abiodun affirmed that the late monarch had clearly instructed he be buried according to his faith.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo commended the resolve of Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), calling their actions a symbolic victory for Yoruba monarchs.

“The courage shown by the late Oba Adetona’s family, the Ogun State Government, and its legal apparatus is a foundation for reclaiming the dignity of Yoruba kingship,” he stated. “Any community that insists on butchering its king after death should crown a traditionalist or herbalist instead.”

According to Oba Akanbi, the Awujale's burial has paved a path of honour for future royal burials. He stressed that kings are meant to be revered, even in death.

“The dignity of our traditional rulers should not end with their reign. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond, not desecrated like animals,” he said. “This noble act is a personal victory for me—it signals the end of both physical and spiritual subjugation of Yoruba monarchs after death.”

He added that going forward, the burial process of any Yoruba king should reflect either the monarch’s wishes before passing or the decisions of the family, not secret cults or traditional groups.

“I will continue to resist idol worship and traditional cultism in my domain,” Oba Akanbi declared. “Since ascending the throne 10 years ago, I have liberated the Oluwo stool from such practices.”

He firmly rejected the authority of secret societies like the Osugbos and Ogbonis over Yoruba kingship: “The Iwo throne is independent and will never be tied to the dictates of any secret group. I trust that even after I’m gone, my people will continue to uphold that freedom.”

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