The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the Islamic burial rites accorded to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing the process as a new standard for honouring Yoruba monarchs.
Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, was buried the next day at his Ijebu Ode residence by Muslim clerics. Security operatives, including soldiers, reportedly prevented traditional cult groups, such as the Osugbo, from taking over the burial rites — a departure from long-standing customs in some parts of Yorubaland.
Reacting to the event in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi commended the Awujale’s family, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for what he called a courageous and dignified handling of the burial.
“The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family and the Ogun State Government is commendable. It is a foundational blessing for the restoration of the dignity of Yoruba stools,” Oluwo said.
He decried past practices where monarchs were subjected to ritual killings upon death, stating, “Any town willing that its king be butchered after death should appoint an herbalist, Osugbo, or Ogboni as their king.”
“Kings are servants of their subjects — honourable men who have made sacrifices for their people. That honour must extend to their grave and beyond,” he added.
Oluwo further described the Islamic burial of Oba Adetona as a turning point for the Yoruba traditional institution, calling it “a win for the Yoruba race” and a personal victory for himself, as he continues his push against traditionalist practices and cultism.
He also proposed that burial rites for traditional rulers should be based on the deceased king’s wishes or his family’s instructions, not by imposition from traditional cult groups.
“The seizure of a king’s corpse by any secret group should be optional, depending on the family’s wishes,” Oluwo said.
Reaffirming his position against idol worship and secret cults, the monarch said he had “freed the Oluwo stool from such bondage” since his ascension to the throne ten years ago and would continue to advocate for a more modern, faith-based approach to traditional leadership.
Oba Adetona’s burial has reignited debates in the Southwest over the future of cultural rites and the place of religious convictions in royal affairs.
