The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has hailed the Islamic burial rites accorded to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a significant milestone for Yoruba traditional leadership, describing it as a liberation from what he called “ritual slavery.”
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, on Tuesday, Oba Akanbi commended the dignified and faith-based burial, emphasizing that the late monarch was not subjected to practices such as mutilation or ritualistic cannibalism, which he said have tainted traditional burial customs in the past.
Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, and was buried the following day according to Islamic rites. His burial was reportedly protected by security forces to prevent interference by traditionalist groups. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed that the monarch had explicitly requested an Islamic burial.
Describing the burial as a “path of honour,” the Oluwo said the process had helped restore the dignity of the Yoruba monarchy.
“The sanctity of Yoruba traditional institutions has been protected by the process adopted in burying the late Awujale of Ijebuland,” Oba Akanbi said.
“Kings are honourable servants of their people. That honour should not end in death. They should be respected to the grave—not treated like animals.”
He went further to call the development a personal and cultural victory, stating,
“This noble burial rite is a win for the Yoruba race, particularly myself. It marks the liberation of our kings from physical and spiritual bondage after death.”
Oba Akanbi also advocated for burial practices that reflect the personal wishes of monarchs and their families, rather than being dictated by traditional secret societies.
“The seizure of a king’s corpse by any secret group should be optional, not mandatory. The family’s wishes must take precedence.”
Reflecting on his own leadership, he stated:
“Since ascending the throne a decade ago, I have freed the Iwo monarchy from such ritualistic bondage. The Osugbo and Ogboni societies have no ties to the authentic Yoruba monarchy. Any attempt to enslave the throne—now or after my time—will always be resisted.”
He praised Governor Abiodun and Ogun State Attorney-General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, for ensuring that Oba Adetona’s burial wishes were respected.
“They are true custodians of Yoruba heritage,” he said.
In a final statement laced with defiance, the Oluwo added:
“Any town willing to have its king butchered after death should simply crown a herbalist or Ogboni member instead.”
