Oluwo Hails Awujale’s Burial as End of ‘Ritual Slavery’ in Yoruba Monarchy

Iwo, Osun State — The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has described the Islamic burial rites accorded to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a pivotal moment for the Yoruba traditional institution, marking what he called a liberation from age-old ritual practices and posthumous indignities.

Oba Akanbi commended the decision to bury Oba Adetona in accordance with Islamic rites, free from traditionalist rituals he described as dehumanising, such as mutilation or other ceremonial acts he likened to “butchery.”

Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. His burial, conducted the following day, was closely protected by security personnel to prevent any interference from traditional religious groups. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed that the late monarch had, during his lifetime, expressed a clear wish to be buried in accordance with Islamic customs.

In a statement issued by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo praised the Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the Ogun State Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for their firm stance, calling their actions a “historic victory” for Yoruba royal institutions.

“The courage demonstrated by the late Oba Adetona’s family and the Ogun State leadership has laid a foundation for restoring dignity to the Yoruba monarchy,” the Oluwo said. “It is a blessing that will resonate through time.”

He criticized communities that still enforce traditional burial rites involving secret societies and physical mutilation, suggesting such towns might as well appoint herbalists or cultists as monarchs.

Oba Akanbi further asserted that Yoruba monarchs are public servants who deserve honour, dignity, and respect—both in life and after death.

“The Yoruba king is not an object for ritual. He is a symbol of honour and leadership. That honour must not end in death,” he said. “The late Awujale has set a precedent for the modern and respectful burial of Yoruba kings.”

The Oluwo advocated for the burial process of any monarch to be guided by the deceased ruler’s wishes or those of the family, rather than determined by secretive traditional groups. He called for an end to forced ritual practices and the seizure of royal remains by cultic societies.

In his statement, Oba Akanbi reaffirmed his ongoing efforts to sever ties between the Iwo monarchy and secret traditional cults.

“I have freed the Oluwo stool from such bondage since my ascension a decade ago. The Ogboni and Osugbo societies have no spiritual or institutional ties to the throne of Iwo,” he said. “No secret society will ever enslave the Iwo kingship again.”

He concluded by urging other Yoruba monarchs to follow the example set by Oba Adetona and work towards reclaiming the autonomy and honour of the traditional institution.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/ July 16,2025