Awujale’s burial frees Yoruba kings from ritual slavery – Oluwo
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has described the burial process of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a freedom for the Yoruba traditional institution and a step towards restoring its sanctity.
Oba Akanbi expressed satisfaction with the burial rites adopted in honouring the late Awujale, stating that he was not subjected to mutilation or cannibalisation “as done by butchers.”
Oba Adetona was buried according to Islamic rites on Monday, after his death on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 years.
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.”
