The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has applauded the manner in which the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was laid to rest, describing it as a significant step toward restoring the dignity and independence of the Yoruba traditional institution.
Oba Akanbi praised the decision to follow Islamic burial rites, emphasizing that the late monarch was not subjected to harmful traditional practices, which he likened to being treated “like an animal.”
Oba Adetona died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 and was buried the following day according to Islamic customs. Security personnel were present to prevent interference from traditional worshippers during the burial. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State had earlier confirmed that the late monarch had requested to be buried following Islamic rites.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi commended the firm stance taken by the Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN). He said their actions would help restore the honour of traditional thrones across Yorubaland.
“The bold decisions made by the family of the late monarch, Governor Abiodun, and the Attorney General should be applauded. They have laid a solid foundation for reclaiming the honour of Yoruba kingship,” he said. “Any community that insists on dismembering their king after death might as well install a traditionalist, not a monarch.”
Oba Akanbi described the Awujale’s burial as a symbol of progress, setting a new standard for how Yoruba monarchs should be respected after death.
“This method of burial has upheld the dignity of the Yoruba traditional leadership. Monarchs are leaders who serve their people and should be treated with honour in life and death,” he stated. “Respect for a king should not end when he dies. They should not be dehumanized by outdated rituals.”
He added that the Islamic burial of Oba Adetona represented freedom for Yoruba rulers from oppressive cultural practices after death.
“This is a win for the Yoruba people. It signals a break from spiritual and physical oppression of our royal fathers,” he said.
The Oluwo emphasized that the burial wishes of a traditional ruler should be based on his own instructions or the choice of his family, not forced by any secret society.
“No group has the right to take a monarch’s body from his family unless the family permits it,” he stressed.
Oba Akanbi reaffirmed his opposition to idol worship and cult influence in traditional leadership. He noted that since ascending the throne ten years ago, he has worked to separate the Iwo kingship from all forms of secret cult control.
“In Iwo, I have completely removed the monarchy from the grip of secret societies. The Ogboni and Osugbo cults have no authority over the throne,” he said. “This stool will never be subject to any form of cultic control. Iwo is free—and even after my reign, I trust the people will not allow such practices to return.”
