Oluwo Hails Awujale’s Burial as Victory for Yoruba Tradition

 

Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described the burial rites of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as a landmark victory for the Yoruba traditional institution and a major step toward restoring its lost sanctity.

Oba Akanbi called the burial procedure a new period of dignity and spiritual liberation for the Yoruba kings who had passed away, noting that it notably avoided secret society rites like body mutilation. He said that the method used for the Awujale's funeral represents a major cultural change and ought to be used as a template for royal funerals in Yorubaland in the future.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, on Tuesday, the Oluwo said the Awujale’s burial rites had protected the sanctity of the traditional institution. “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, not butchered like animals after death,” the statement read.

Describing the burial as a win for the Yoruba race, particularly for traditional rulers, the Oluwo added that such respectful treatment in death reflects the dignity of kingship and ensures its spiritual and cultural continuity.

He further stressed that burial processes for traditional rulers should align with the personal beliefs or the wishes of the deceased and their families—not dictated by secret societies. “The seizure of a king’s corpse by any secret group should be optional, depending on the wishes of his family,” he said.

Recalling his own reforms since ascending the throne in Iwo ten years ago, the Oluwo reaffirmed his stance against the influence of groups such as the Osugbo and Ogboni cults. “In Iwo, I have freed the throne from such bondage. The Osugbos and Ogbonis have no relation with Yoruba monarchy. Every attempt to enslave the stool will be eternally resisted. Even after my death, I trust Iwo people will never condone absurdity,” he declared.

The monarch also commended Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the State Attorney-General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, for preserving the dignity of the Awujale during the burial. He described them as "true custodians of Yoruba heritage," pointing out that their deeds guaranteed the king's honor in accordance with both legal requirements and cultural advancement. Oba Akanbi concluded by delivering a scathing critique of communities that continue to permit covert organizations to conduct royal funerals. “Any town willing to have its king butchered after death should appoint an herbalist or an Ogboni as its king,” he said.

The burial of Oba Sikiru Adetona, a revered and long-serving monarch, appears to have set a new tone for how Yoruba kings are remembered — one that prioritizes honour, transparency, and respect over secrecy and ancient rites.