The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the Islamic burial accorded to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, while condemning traditional funeral rites he described as dehumanising.
Oba Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91, was laid to rest on Monday at his Ijebu Ode residence, in accordance with Islamic principles.
The burial was conducted by Muslim clerics under tight security, preventing traditionalists and members of the Osugbo cult from taking charge of the funeral process.
At the event, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed that the late monarch had specifically requested to be buried according to Islamic rites.
Reacting in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo commended the Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for honouring the monarch’s wishes.
He described their actions as a “path of honour” and a turning point for the Yoruba monarchy.
“No Yoruba king should be butchered like an animal after death,” Oluwo stated.
“Any community that insists on such rites should crown an herbalist or cultist as king.”
He argued that the dignified burial of Oba Adetona preserved the sanctity of the Yoruba traditional institution and symbolised a step forward in liberating monarchs from both physical and spiritual oppression.
“Kings are servants of the people and should be honoured even in death.
The noble burial of the Awujale is a victory for the Yoruba race and a personal triumph for me,” he added.
Oluwo advocated that the burial of traditional rulers should reflect either the monarch’s wishes during his lifetime or the decision of his immediate family.
He condemned the forceful seizure of royal corpses by traditional cults, saying such acts should be optional and not imposed.
He reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating idol worship and cultic practices from his domain, adding that since ascending the throne a decade ago, he has worked to free the Oluwo stool from such traditions.
