Soldiers reportedly prevented traditionalists from hijacking the burial, in line with the Awujale’s stated wishes.
The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the Islamic burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, calling it a liberation for Yoruba monarchs from “ritual slavery.”
Oba Akanbi said, “The sanctity of Yoruba traditional institution has been protected by the process adopted in burying the late Awujale,” describing it as a win for Yoruba culture.
Awujale was buried on Monday according to Islamic rites after his death on Sunday at age 91.
Soldiers reportedly prevented traditionalists from hijacking the burial, in line with the Awujale’s stated wishes.
“The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun… is commendable,” Oluwo noted in a statement.
He rejected secret society influence over burials, saying, “Any town willing that his king be butchered after death should appoint an herbalist… as their king.”
Oba Akanbi vowed to continue resisting idol worship and cult control in Iwo.