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 move to restore its dignity.
Speaking through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi commended the decision to honour Oba Adetona with Islamic burial rites, noting that he was not subjected to posthumous mutilation or desecration.
Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 91 years old and was buried the next day. Soldiers were deployed during the burial to prevent traditional groups from interfering, in line with the late monarch’s wish to be laid to rest according to Islamic customs.
Oba Akanbi praised the late monarch’s family, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for their stance. He described it as a victory for Yoruba tradition, saying:
“The courage shown by the family, the Governor, and the Attorney General is commendable. It marks the beginning of restoring the respect and honour of Yoruba royal stools. Any community that desires a butchered king after death should consider appointing an herbalist, Osugbo, or Ogboni as their king.”
He further stated that Oba Adetona’s burial had set a new standard for honouring departed Yoruba monarchs:
“The process adopted in burying the late Awujale has protected the sanctity of the Yoruba traditional institution. Kings are public servants who should be honoured in life and death, not butchered like animals. This new order of burial rites is a triumph for the Yoruba people and a personal victory for me. It liberates Yoruba kings from physical and spiritual oppression after death.”
Oba Akanbi added that burial arrangements for traditional rulers should follow the late king’s or his family’s preference, stressing that any seizure of a king’s corpse by secret cults should only occur if permitted by the family.
Reaffirming his position against idol worship and cult practices in Iwo, the Oluwo said:
“Since my ascension 10 years ago, I have freed the Oluwo stool from bondage. Osugbos and Ogbonis have no authority over the Yoruba monarchy. No secret society can enslave the throne of Iwo. Even after my death, I trust my people will never accept such absurdity.”
