Oluwo Commends Abiodun Over Awujale’s burial rite, Describes As Victory for Yoruba race

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has expressed satisfaction over the burial rites of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The top traditional rulers who joined his ancestors on Sunday at a private hospital in Lagos at the age of 91 was buried on Monday in accordance with Muslim rites 

Oba Akanbi, in a statement by his media aide, Alli Ibraheem, described the development as a landmark victory for the Yoruba traditional institution and a step towards restoring its sanctity.

The monarch explained that the process, which excluded age-long practices such as mutilation of the body, signalled a new era of dignity for departed Yoruba monarchs.

Oluwo added that late Oba Adetona had set a path of honour for future burials of Yoruba kings.

“The sanctity of Yoruba traditional institutions has been protected by the process adopted in burying the late Awujale of Ijebuland.

“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 an animal after death.

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

"The burial processes for traditional rulers should align with the wishes of the deceased or their families, and not be 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

“In Iwo, I have freed the throne from such bondage since my ascension 10 years ago. 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.”

“Any town willing to have its king butchered after death should appoint an herbalist or an Ogboni as its king,” Oluwo concluded.

Oba Akanbi, however, commended the Awujale's family, Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Attorney-General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, for their roles in preserving Awujale’s dignity, describing them as “true custodians of Yoruba heritage.”