How Awujale’s burial rescued Yoruba kings from ritual slavery – Oluwo

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a significant step toward restoring dignity and sanctity to the Yoruba traditional institution.

Speaking in the aftermath of the monarch’s passing and burial, Oba Akanbi expressed deep satisfaction with the Islamic rites observed in honouring Oba Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 and was buried the following day.

Describing the process as a “freedom” for Yoruba kingship, Oba Akanbi commended the move away from what he called barbaric practices, saying the late Awujale was not subjected to mutilation or cannibalisation, “as done by butchers,” in reference to controversial ancient burial customs that still exist in some quarters.

READ ALSO: Soldiers bar Osugbo Cult members from Awujale’s Islamic funeral in Ijebu Ode

Soldiers, during the burial, prevented traditionalists from hijacking his burial, as Governor Dapo Abiodun said the traditional ruler had indicated he should be buried according to Islamic rites.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo said the courage demonstrated by the Awujale, his family, and Governor Abiodun was a victory for the Yoruba race.

“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 noted that the late Adetona had set 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 promised to continue to campaign against any form of idol worship and traditional cultism in his domain.

“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.”