Oluwo Declares Awujale’s Burial a Liberation of Yoruba Kings from Ritual Subjugation

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has hailed the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Yoruba traditional institution—describing it as a symbolic emancipation from archaic and dehumanizing ritual practices that have historically followed the passing of monarchs.

Speaking in a statement released by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi commended the dignified Islamic rites observed during Oba Adetona’s interment, noting with satisfaction that the revered monarch was not subjected to bodily mutilation or cannibalistic rites—practices the Oluwo likened to the butchery of animals.

Oba Adetona was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions on Monday, July 14, 2025, following his passing at the age of 91 on Sunday, July 13. During the burial, security personnel reportedly prevented traditionalist groups from forcefully intervening in the process. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, affirmed that the late monarch had expressed a clear wish to be buried according to Islamic principles.

Oba Akanbi lauded the firm stance taken by the Adetona family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), describing their resolve as a victory not only for the immediate family but for the Yoruba nation at large.

“The courage shown by the family of the late Awujale, His Excellency Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Attorney General of Ogun State is deeply commendable. It lays a foundational precedent that reclaims the dignity of Yoruba traditional leadership. The governor has proven himself a true custodian of noble heritage,” the Oluwo stated.

He further criticized communities that still permit posthumous mutilation of their monarchs, asserting, “Any town that still condones the butchering of a deceased king should rather appoint an herbalist, an Osugbo, or an Ogboni member as their ruler.”

Oba Akanbi maintained that the burial rites conducted for Oba Adetona set a new benchmark of honour and sanctity for Yoruba royal funerals. “The late Awujale has illuminated a noble path for the treatment of departed monarchs,” he said. “A king is, first and foremost, a servant of the people—an honourable figure who has made sacrifices for the welfare of his community. That honour must persist beyond death. Monarchs should not be desecrated like sacrificial animals but accorded the dignity they deserve to the very end.”

The Oluwo emphasized that traditional rulers’ burial rites should reflect the personal wishes of the deceased or be determined by their families—not imposed by any secret cult or spiritual group. “The seizure of a monarch’s corpse by clandestine societies must never be a mandatory practice. It should be strictly subject to the consent of the family.”

Reiterating his ongoing stance against traditional cultism and idol worship, Oba Akanbi reaffirmed his commitment to reform within his domain. “Since ascending the throne a decade ago, I have disentangled the Oluwo stool from ritual bondage. The Osugbo and Ogboni fraternities bear no legitimate association with Yoruba kingship. Any attempt to re-enslave the throne shall be eternally resisted under my watch,” he declared.

“Iwo’s monarchy will never bow to the dictates of secret societies. I have liberated my kingdom. And even after my passage, I trust the people of Iwo will uphold this legacy and never tolerate such affronts to decency and modernity.”