‘Awujale’s burial frees Yoruba Kings from ritual slavery’ – Oluwo declares

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has hailed the Islamic burial of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland as a monumental liberation for Yoruba kings, stating it “freed them from ritual slavery.”

Reacting to the quiet, peaceful Islamic rites observed for the late monarch, Oba Akanbi said, “The Islamic burial of the Awujale is a watershed moment for Yoruba traditional institutions. His burial has freed kings from the shackles of ritual slavery. No king should die a slave to outdated customs.”

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“We are kings, not cult members. We were not crowned to serve rituals, but to serve the people. His Majesty, the late Awujale, has shown us that royal dignity does not need to be buried in fear.”

Law that empowered his burial wishes

In 2021, the Ogun State Government passed a landmark legislation, “Obas, Chiefs and Traditional Institutions Law”, which allows traditional rulers to be buried according to their faith.

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The law, which was championed during Awujale’s lifetime, gave him the freedom to choose Islamic burial rites over customary ones.

Oluwo applauded this, saying, “This law has made it clear: no traditional ruler should be forced into rites that contradict his beliefs. Every king has the right to dictate how he leaves this world. Awujale used that right.”

Janazah over ritual sacrifice

The Janazah prayer, conducted by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, replaced the once-dominant rituals led by cult groups such as the Osugbo or Ogboni societies.

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Security forces ensured that no interference occurred, in strict adherence to the late monarch’s wishes.

“Awujale has led by example, even in death,” Oluwo added.

He continued, “This is the kind of courage our traditional rulers need. It is time to choose faith, not fear.”

For centuries, Yoruba monarchs were expected to undergo traditional rites, many shrouded in secrecy, mystery, and symbolic sacrifice.

Oluwo denounced these acts as outdated and irrelevant.

He said, “Let us be clear. Any practice that involves coercion, secrecy, and fear is not tradition. It is bondage. This is not who we are as a people.”

He continued, “When a king must disappear into a bush or be subjected to spiritual commands after death, where is the dignity in that?”

The Oluwo of Iwo has been one of the most outspoken Yoruba monarchs advocating for the de-occultisation of kingship.

Monarch should represent modern practices- Oluwo

He has consistently argued that kings should represent modern, ethical leadership, not be custodians of mysterious or harmful practices.

“We must continue to separate culture from cultism. What the Awujale did is not just a personal victory—it is a rebirth for Yoruba royalty,” he added.

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In his final remarks, Oba Akanbi called on fellow monarchs across Yorubaland to reclaim their religious autonomy.

“To my fellow kings, do not wait till death to make your position known. Let your people and your family understand your faith, your beliefs, and your burial wishes. Let this movement grow,” he concluded.