Awujale’s Burial Liberates Yoruba Kings From Ritual Slavery — Oluwo

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has described the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a liberation for the Yoruba traditional institution and a decisive step towards restoring its dignity.

Speaking through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi praised the burial rites accorded the Awujale, who was laid to rest on Monday, 14 July 2025, by Islamic tradition — free from mutilation or ritual cannibalisation.

Soldiers reportedly repelled attempts by traditionalists to hijack the burial, in line with the wishes of the late monarch and the affirmation of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

“The bold stance of the Awujale’s family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), is a laudable victory for the Yoruba people. The Governor has proven himself a true blue blood,” Oba Akanbi stated.

He declared, “Any community desiring its monarch to be butchered after death should enthrone an herbalist, Osugbo, or Ogboni as king.”

Oba Akanbi hailed the late Awujale for charting a new course of honour for departed Yoruba kings.

“The dignity of the Yoruba traditional institution has been safeguarded by how Oba Sikiru Adetona was buried,” he said.

“Kings are servants to their people — honourable men who have lived sacrificially. Their honour must not end at death. They deserve respect even in burial, not the indignity of being slaughtered like animals.

“The noble precedent set in Awujale’s burial is a triumph for the Yoruba race — and for me personally. It signifies liberation of Yoruba monarchs from both physical and spiritual subjugation in death.”

Oba Akanbi maintained that the burial process of any Yoruba monarch must be by the deceased’s personal wish or the decision of his family.

“The seizure of a monarch’s corpse by secret cults or traditional groups should be subject to the family’s consent,” he emphasised.

Reaffirming his opposition to idol worship and traditional cultism, Oba Akanbi said, “Since my ascension a decade ago, I have emancipated the Oluwo stool from such bondage. The Osugbos and Ogbonis have no ties to Yoruba royalty.

“Any attempt to enslave the throne will be perpetually resisted. Iwo’s kingship will never bow to secret societies. I have freed my town — and even after my time, I trust the people of Iwo will never tolerate such absurdity.”