The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing it as a landmark moment for the liberation and dignity of the Yoruba traditional institution.
Oba Akanbi commended the decision to bury the late monarch according to Islamic rites, saying it marked a departure from what he called “barbaric practices” involving mutilation and ritualistic rites often imposed on deceased traditional rulers.
Oba Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was laid to rest in Ijebu Ode on Monday. His burial was conducted under tight security as soldiers reportedly prevented traditionalists from taking control of the rites, in line with the late monarch’s wishes and those of his family. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun affirmed that Oba Adetona had requested to be buried according to Islamic tenets.
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi lauded the courage shown by the late monarch’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), calling it a turning point for the Yoruba race.
“The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the Attorney General is commendable,” he said. “This is a foundational blessing for restoring the honour and dignity of Yoruba thrones and their occupants.”
Oba Akanbi condemned traditional burial rites involving secret societies, saying:
“Any town that wants its king butchered after death should install an herbalist, Osugbo or Ogboni as king. Our monarchs deserve honour, not horror.”
He maintained that Yoruba kings are servants of the people and should be treated with dignity both in life and death. “Honour doesn’t die with the king. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond,” he added.
The Oluwo declared that the burial model adopted for the Awujale sets a new standard that should be based on the monarch’s personal wishes or the decision of their family. He rejected the seizure of monarchs’ corpses by secret groups as outdated and oppressive.
“In Iwo, I have freed the Oluwo stool from such bondage since ascending the throne a decade ago,” he stated. “My stool will never be subject to the control of any secret society.”
He further pledged to continue campaigning against idol worship and cultism, insisting that the Yoruba monarchy must evolve to reflect honour, faith, and modernity.
Oba Akanbi concluded by expressing confidence that the people of Iwo will uphold these principles, even after his passing.
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