Oluwo Defends Awujale’s Traditional Burial Process
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has defended the burial process of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing it as a victory for the dignity of Yoruba traditional institutions and a break from outdated and inhumane burial practices.
In a strongly worded video message, Oba Akanbi praised the family of the Awujale for setting “a path of honour” by rejecting age-old burial rituals that involve the mutilation of the deceased monarch’s body. He condemned those who attempted to impose such practices on the Awujale’s burial, branding them “crazy people” and “unworthy members of society.”
Citing a Yoruba proverb, he said, “Whoever gives his dead father to a madman for burial should expect the corpse to be burned and eaten.” According to the monarch, such rituals not only dishonour the king but are also contrary to authentic Yoruba tradition.
“There is no law or tradition in Yoruba history, even before Islam and Christianity, that requires a king’s body to be burned or butchered. Kings were buried with dignity—people wore fine clothes, danced, and celebrated their passage,” the Oluwo stated.
He further emphasized that in Iwo, his hometown, the people embrace a culture of joyful celebration for deceased monarchs, including wearing colourful attire, dancing, and according the king a proper burial in the ground. He cited the Ojude Oba festival of the Ijebu people as a model cultural event that reflects true Yoruba heritage.
Oba Akanbi called on Yoruba people to shun gatherings where mourning is marked by wearing rags or garments symbolizing sorrow, which he described as akin to sacrificial rites. He urged communities to uphold royal honour in death just as in life.
Addressing his critics, the monarch declared that anyone who insults him over his position will face consequences, adding humorously that such people will not have wives more beautiful than his in Iwo. He also criticized individuals in his domain who flaunt their wealth by driving Rolls-Royces or building extravagant homes without showing respect for the traditional institution.
The monarch also used the opportunity to highlight the pluralism of Yoruba religious practice. “There are three major religions among the Yoruba—Islam, Christianity, and those who follow traditional spiritual paths,” he noted, while reiterating his commitment to reforming the monarchy and distancing it from cultist influence.
“No Yoruba king should ever again be butchered like an animal in the name of burial rituals,” Oba Akanbi said. “Any town that desires such practices should appoint an herbalist, Osugbo, or Ogboni as their king—not an honourable royal figure.”
He said the Awujale’s burial has helped to preserve the sanctity of Yoruba monarchy, noting, “Kings are servants to the people. They sacrifice themselves for the interest of their subjects. Honour doesn’t die with the king—it must be taken to the grave and beyond.”
He further explained that the burial process for any traditional ruler should be determined by the king himself before his death or by his family, not by secret societies or cult groups.
“In Iwo, I have liberated the Oluwo stool from bondage since my ascension 10 years ago,” he declared. “The Osugbos and Ogbonis have no place in our monarchy. Every attempt to enslave the stool will be eternally rejected.”
