The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has hailed the Islamic burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a landmark moment for the Yoruba traditional institution, describing it as a liberation from ritualistic practices and a restoration of royal dignity.
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi praised the burial process which, according to him, departed from long-standing customs involving mutilation or ritualistic rites, often imposed on deceased monarchs.
Oba Adetona, who passed away at age 91 on Sunday, July 13, 2025, was laid to rest the following day according to Islamic rites.
The burial was secured by the Nigerian Army, which reportedly thwarted attempts by traditionalists to enforce ritual customs, respecting the Awujale’s expressed wish for an Islamic burial, as affirmed by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Oluwo commended the bravery of the Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), describing their stance as a historic victory for the Yoruba race.
“The courage shown by the family of the late Oba Adetona and the Ogun State government has laid a solid foundation for reforming the Yoruba monarchy,” he said. “Any town that insists on butchering its monarch after death should crown an herbalist or a cult member, not a traditional ruler.”
Oba Akanbi emphasized that Yoruba monarchs are dignified leaders who deserve to be honoured even in death, not subjected to practices that degrade their status. He added that burial rites should reflect either the monarch’s wishes or that of their families not those of traditional secret societies.
He described the burial of the Awujale as a symbolic release of Yoruba kings from both spiritual and physical bondage and a step toward protecting the integrity of royal institutions.
“I see this as a personal and collective victory,” Oba Akanbi said. “The precedent set by the Awujale’s burial should guide future processes. No group should seize a king’s body against the family’s will.”
The Oluwo also reiterated his stance against idol worship and cult influence in traditional leadership, noting that he has protected the Iwo throne from such practices since his ascension.
“I have permanently severed any link between the Oluwo stool and secret cults like the Osugbos and Ogbonis. The Iwo kingship is free and will remain free even after my passing,” he declared.
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