By Otunba Saheed Adeyemi Lawal FCA, FCTI, FCIB
The Abese of Egbaland
Aro of Gbagura
Sooko of Iperu-Remo
The recent burial of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, has brought to light an unsettling trend — the gradual erasure of cultural rites in the name of modernization or religious preferences. While it is not uncommon for Yoruba monarchs to be devout Muslims or Christians, it is equally important that their royal passage reflects the dignity, traditions, and sacred responsibilities that the throne demands.
The public display of the Awujale’s corpse was, to many traditionalists and cultural custodians, a clear deviation from long-held Yoruba customs. In Ijebuland, as in many parts of Yoruba land, the passing of an Oba is shrouded in sacred rites, performed away from public eyes and overseen by traditional institutions such as the Osugbo, Ogboni, and other spiritual guardians of our heritage. These are not mere rituals — they are spiritual mandates designed to guide the transition of the monarch from the physical realm into the ancestral fold.
It is acknowledged that Kabiyesi was buried in accordance with Islamic rites, a reflection of his personal faith. However, it is deeply concerning that traditional rites were either sidelined or forced into secrecy. In Ijebu history, no Awujale has ever been laid to rest without the involvement of the Osugbo, Afobaje, and other traditional bodies. These rites serve not only as a spiritual escort for the departed king but also as a reaffirmation of our collective identity as a people.
One cannot help but draw a comparison with the burial of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite the United Kingdom being a modern democracy and a multicultural society, the British did not compromise on their heritage. The funeral was a grand display of religious, royal, and national rites — all harmoniously executed. Every tradition, every procession, and every symbol was preserved with the utmost pride. If the British can protect and honour their monarchy with such care, why should we — custodians of an even older and richer cultural legacy — discard ours?
We must not allow emotion, politics, or social media sentiments to override our ancestral duties. The throne of the Awujale is not just a seat of power; it is a spiritual institution passed down through generations. The stool carries a legacy that binds the Ijebu people across towns, faiths, and families. To water it down or treat it casually is to invite cultural amnesia and spiritual dislocation.
It is also important to caution against opportunistic narratives that seek to rewrite the rules of succession or distort the established hierarchy of royal families. The passing of a monarch should never be used as a platform for self-promotion or political interference. The process of choosing a new Awujale is well-defined — rotational among recognized ruling houses, guided by Ifa consultation, and approved by the Afobaje and kingmakers. No title, connection, or political influence can bypass this sacred order.
As the mourning period continues, it is not too late for the traditional rites to be fulfilled — if they have not already been quietly done. Let those who hold positions of spiritual responsibility do what must be done, for the sake of the land and for the peace of the departed king.
Oba Sikiru Adetona was a beacon of wisdom, a defender of culture, and a monarch of rare intellect. His reign should not end in controversy or confusion but with the honour and cultural dignity that his legacy deserves.
Let this moment be a wake-up call. We must not throw our traditions and culture into the bin. We must protect them, honour them, and pass them on — just as our forefathers did.
For inquiries or cultural correspondence, contact:
Otunba Saheed Adeyemi Lawal
The Abese of Egbaland
Aro of Gbagura Egb
Sooko of Iperu-Remo
Email: yslawal@aol.com
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