In a significant moment for Yoruba cultural traditions, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has hailed the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a pivotal step toward preserving the sanctity of the Yoruba traditional institution.

Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was laid to rest the following day in accordance with Islamic rites, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion.

Oba Akanbi commended the burial process, emphasising that it honoured the late monarch’s wishes without subjecting his body to what he described as “mutilation or cannibalistic practices” sometimes associated with traditional rites.

In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo praised the resolve of the Awujale’s family and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, calling their adherence to Islamic burial customs a “triumph for the Yoruba people.”

The burial, closely guarded by soldiers to prevent interference from traditionalists, underscored the late Awujale’s explicit directive to follow Islamic rites, according to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. This move, Oba Akanbi argued, marks a broader push to restore dignity and autonomy to Yoruba traditional practices, signalling a potential shift in how such ceremonies are conducted in the region.

“The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Attorney General of the state, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), is commendable and a foundation blessing to restore the glory of Yoruba stools and its occupants. The Governor is true blue blood.

“Any town willing that his king be butchered after death should appoint an herbalist, Osugbo and Ogboni as their king,” Oba Akanbi said.

He observed that the late Adetona had established a path of honour for deceased Yoruba monarchs.

The monarch said, “The sanctity of Yoruba traditional institution has been protected by the process adopted in burying the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

“Kings are servants to their subjects. They are honourable men who have sacrificed themselves in the interest of their people.

“Honour doesn’t die with the king. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond, and not butchered like an animal after death.‎

“The noble order of burial rites for Awujale is a win for the Yoruba race, particularly myself. It’s a freedom of Yoruba traditional rulers from physical and spiritual oppression after their death.”

Oba Akanbi added, “The burial process to be adopted in burying Yoruba traditional rulers should be on the recommendation of the king before his passage or his family after his death.

“The seizure of the king’s corpse from his family by any secret group should be optional, depending on the wishes of his family.”

He vowed to keep campaigning against all forms of idol worship and traditional cult practices in his area.

“In Iwo, I have freed the Oluwo stool from the bondage since my ascension 10 years ago.

“The Osugbos and the Ogbonis have no relation with the Yoruba monarchy. Every attempt to enslave the stool will be eternally restricted by my stool.

“Iwo throne can never be subjected to the command of any secret society. I have freed my town. Even after my death, I trust Iwo people, they will never condone absurdity.”

ASA