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The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has referred to the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a liberation for the Yoruba traditional institution and a move toward restoring its dignity.
Oba Akanbi expressed his approval of the burial rites held in memory of the late Awujale, mentioning that he was not subjected to mutilation or cannibalism “like that of butchers.”
Oba Adetona was interred according to Islamic traditions on Monday, following his death on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.
During the burial, soldiers prevented traditionalists from taking control of the proceedings, as Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized that the traditional ruler had chosen to be buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo praised the bravery shown by Awujale, his family, and Governor Abiodun as a triumph for the Yoruba people.
“The courage displayed by the late Adetona’s family, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), is commendable and a blessing that lays the groundwork for restoring the prestige of Yoruba thrones and their leaders. The Governor is truly of noble descent.
“Any community that desires its king to be treated as an animal in death should appoint an herbalist, Osugbo, and Ogboni to be their king,” Oba Akanbi remarked.
He highlighted that the late Adetona paved the way for honoring deceased Yoruba monarchs appropriately.
The monarch stated, “The integrity of the Yoruba traditional institution has been upheld by the burial process of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.”
Oba Akanbi noted, “Kings are servants of their people. They are honorable figures who dedicate their lives to the well-being of their communities. “Honor transcends death; they should be respected even in death and not treated like an animal.
The dignified burial rites for Awujale represent a victory for the Yoruba people, especially for me. It signifies the liberation of Yoruba traditional leaders from both physical and spiritual oppression after death.”
He added, “The burial methods for Yoruba traditional rulers should reflect the wishes of the king before he passes or his family afterward.
The retention of a king’s body by any clandestine group should be at the family's discretion.”
Furthermore, he vowed to persist in his efforts against idol worship and traditional cult activities in his jurisdiction. “In Iwo, I have liberated the Oluwo throne from constraints since I took office a decade ago.
The Osugbos and the Ogbonis have no connection to the Yoruba monarchy. Any attempt to enslave the throne will face unyielding opposition from my position.
The Iwo throne shall never be subject to the influence of any secret society. I trust that even after my passing, the people of Iwo will reject any form of absurdity.”
