Osimodi noted that although the king had withdrawn support from traditional rites in his later years, he once actively participated in major festivals.
The Chief Priest of Ijebuland, Chief Rasaki Osimodi, has expressed deep frustration over the exclusion of traditionalists from the burial rites of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on Sunday at 91.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Osimodi said traditionalists were “shouted at” and turned away by Muslims and family members. “Ade, one of the late Awujale’s children, told them that his father never associated with them,” he said. He emphasized that while soldiers didn’t assault anyone, their presence prevented further attempts by the Osugbo cult to carry out traditional rites.
He lamented that the Awujale “dined with traditionalists but chose a Muslim burial,” adding, “It is painful.” Osimodi noted that although the king had withdrawn support from traditional rites in his later years, he once actively participated in major festivals.
He warned of possible spiritual consequences for disregarding Ijebu burial customs but confirmed that rituals were ongoing to “ward off evil.”
He also urged the government to allow traditional procedures for selecting the next Awujale and decried rising hardship in the country, pleading with leaders to address hunger and consider restoring fuel subsidies.