17/07/2025
Yoruba Obas Will Not Be Butchered and Eaten Again When They Pass Away, Says Oluwo of Iwo As He Praised The Burial of Awujale of Ijebuland
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has described the burial process of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a freedom for the Yoruba traditional institution and a step towards restoring its sanctity.
Oba Akanbi expressed satisfaction with the burial rites adopted in honouring the late Awujale, stating that he was not subjected to mutilation or cannibalisation “as done by butchers.”
Oba Adetona was buried according to Islamic rites on Monday, after his death on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 years.
Soldiers, during the burial, prevented traditionalists from hijacking his burial, as Governor Dapo Abiodun said the traditional ruler had indicated he should be buried according to Islamic rites.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo said the courage demonstrated by the Awujale, his family, and Governor Abiodun was a victory for the Yoruba race.
“The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Attorney General of the state, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), is commendable and a foundation blessing to restore the glory of Yoruba stools and its occupants. The Governor is true blue blood.
“Any town willing that his king be butchered after death should appoint an herbalist, Osugbo and Ogboni as their king,” Oba Akanbi said.
He noted that the late Adetona had set a path of honour for deceased Yoruba monarchs.
The monarch said, “The sanctity of Yoruba traditional institution has been protected by the process adopted in burying the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Kings are servants to their subjects. They are honourable men who have sacrificed themselves in the interest of their people.
“Honour doesn’t die with the king. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond, and not butchered like an animal .
