Traditional worshippers under the umbrella of the Isese Worshippers of Ogun State have strongly criticised the exclusion of customary rites at the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing it as a gross disrespect to Yoruba cultural heritage and traditional institution.
The revered monarch, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, was buried the following day at his Ijebu Ode residence, with Islamic rites exclusively observed.
Oba Adetona, Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional ruler, ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and held sway for 65 years before his demise.
Newsbulletin Nigeria gathered that moments before the Islamic funeral rites commenced, a mild standoff occurred when a large contingent of traditional worshippers attempting to perform customary burial ceremonies was blocked by soldiers stationed at the monarch’s residence. The security operatives reportedly escorted the worshippers away from the premises.
Reacting to the development, the Isese community, at a meeting held on Thursday and chaired by Oba Dr Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun, the Oba Isese of Ogun State, condemned the sidelining of traditional practices during the royal burial.
Oba Adifagbola described the incident as a regrettable affront to Yoruba tradition, noting that traditionalists had tolerated similar acts in the spirit of peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
“We endured this slight out of love for societal peace — not because we lack power,” the monarch declared.
“But let no one mistake our tolerance for weakness. Our children must learn to uphold and take pride in the religious traditions of their ancestors. Only then can our cultural heritage reclaim its rightful honour.”
The Oluwo of Iperu, High Chief Ifasola Opeolu, echoed the sentiment, labelling the incident an “aberration” and a “slap on the face of the traditional institution.”
In a move to prevent similar occurrences, the Isese community announced the formation of a committee mandated to engage the Ogun State Government on the protection of traditional rites and review existing laws governing the burial of Obas.
The worshippers warned that the erosion of cultural identity, especially in royal transitions, must be arrested before it leads to the complete marginalisation of Yoruba traditional values.
