Former federal lawmaker and social commentator, Senator Shehu Sani, has called for the complete abolition of fetish practices traditionally associated with royal succession across various parts of Nigeria.
Sani, in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction over the gradual decline of such rites, particularly those involving what he described as “barbaric” customs during the ascension of new kings or chiefs.
“I’m delighted to see that many traditional institutions in this country are dropping the fetish practices associated with royal succession when their Kings or Chiefs die,” Sani wrote.
He referenced a particular community in central Nigeria where the successor was historically required to “eat the heart” of the deceased monarch before taking the throne.
“I hope they have stopped. We must separate our culture from barbarity,” he added.
Sani’s remarks come in the wake of the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who was laid to rest on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites. The monarch passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, had earlier praised the burial process, which was conducted solely by Muslim clerics and security personnel. Traditionalists, including members of the Osugbo cult, were reportedly prevented from taking part in the funeral.
The development has sparked renewed debate about the place of ancient customs in modern traditional institutions, with growing calls for reform and alignment with contemporary values and religious beliefs.
Comments