By Abiola Olawale
In a powerful statement that has sparked widespread discussion, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the handling of some late monarchs’ funeral rites in Yorubaland, declaring that no one deserves to be “butchered like animals”
This is as the monarch expressed satisfaction with how the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
He maintained that the deceased monarchs deserve dignity and respect, not treatment akin to “butchered animals.”
Recall that Oba Adetona, who joined his ancestors on Sunday, was buried the following day at his residence in Ijebu Ode.
The interment process was conducted by muslim clerics, as security operatives, including soldiers, barred traditionalists and members of the Osugbo cult from handling the burial.
Speaking at the burial, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State disclosed that the monarch had indicated he should be buried according to Islamic rites.
Reacting to the late traditional ruler’s burial, Oluwo, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, commended the Awujale and his family for setting ‘a path of honour’ for Yoruba kings.
The statement reads in part: “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 their occupants. The Governor is a true blue blood.
“Any town willing that his king be butchered after death should appoint an herbalist, Osugbo and Ogboni as their king.
“The sanctity of Yoruba traditional institutions 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 after death.
“The noble order of burial rites for Awujale is a win for the Yoruba race, particularly myself. It’s a freedom of Yoruba traditional rulers from physical and spiritual oppression after their death.
“The seizure of the king’s corpse from his family by any secret group should be optional, depending on the wishes of his family.”
