The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has commended the Islamic burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing it as a bold and dignified departure from archaic funeral practices traditionally imposed on Yoruba monarchs.
Oba Adetona, who died on Sunday at the age of 91, was buried the following day at his Ijebu Ode residence in accordance with Islamic rites. The burial was conducted by Islamic clerics under heavy security presence, which reportedly barred traditionalists and Osugbo cult members from assuming control of the proceedings.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed that the monarch had expressly instructed to be buried according to Islamic tenets—a wish that was respected and implemented.
In a statement released by his media aide, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo applauded the late king’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for upholding the monarch’s wishes and preserving his dignity in death.
“The family’s courage, the Governor’s leadership, and the Attorney General’s support represent a critical step towards reforming the royal institution,” the Oluwo said. “What they have done is not only honourable but a model for future royal transitions in Yorubaland.”
Oba Akanbi took aim at the customary practices that subject deceased Yoruba kings to ritual mutilation or traditional cult rites, describing them as inhumane and degrading.
“No king deserves to be treated like an animal after death,” he declared. “If a community insists on such rites, let them crown a herbalist or an Osugbo member—not a royal father.”
The monarch noted that Oba Adetona’s Islamic burial marks a “watershed moment” for Yoruba traditional institutions, breaking what he called a long-standing cycle of physical and spiritual oppression associated with posthumous rites.
“Traditional rulers are selfless servants of the people. Their dignity must be preserved not only in life but in death. Oba Adetona’s burial is a sign that the times are changing,” he added.
He stressed that burial arrangements should reflect either the monarch’s documented wishes or, if unavailable, the decision of the family. He denounced any compulsory involvement of secret cults or traditional groups in the burial of kings.
“The forceful takeover of royal corpses by cult groups is unacceptable. The family must have the final say,” he insisted.
Known for his advocacy against idol worship and cultism, the Oluwo reiterated his commitment to religious and cultural reforms. He said he has consistently resisted practices he considers regressive since ascending the throne ten years ago.
“I have cut off all cultic and idolatrous attachments to the Oluwo stool. We must modernise our traditions while preserving dignity,” he said.
The monarch urged other Yoruba kingdoms to emulate the path taken in Ijebuland, arguing that it offers a new blueprint for honouring traditional rulers in accordance with contemporary values and personal convictions.
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