Awujale’s Burial: Isese Traditional Worshippers Lament Exclusion of Indigenous Rites

The Isese Worshippers Association of Ogun State has openly expressed their disappointment over the complete omission of traditional rites during the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. The exclusion, they argued, is a clear disregard for the deeply rooted Yoruba cultural heritage and longstanding royal customs.

According to LMSINT MEDIA, the highly revered monarch passed away on Sunday at the age of 91. Oba Sikiru Adetona was celebrated as the longest-reigning king in Nigeria’s traditional hierarchy, having ascended the throne on April 2, 1960. His 65-year reign marked him as a historic figure within Yoruba land and beyond.

On Monday, the monarch was interred at his private residence in Ijebu Ode. However, prior to the commencement of religious funeral rites, an incident unfolded involving the traditionalists. Reports gathered by LMSINT MEDIA indicate that a significant number of traditional worshippers who had assembled to perform the customary burial ceremonies were obstructed by personnel of the Nigerian Army. These security agents reportedly denied the traditionalists access to the premises, escorting them away from the residence’s gate.

In response to this controversial development, the Isese worshippers convened a meeting on Thursday. The gathering, chaired by Oba Dr. Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun, the Oba Isese of Ogun State, issued a stern condemnation of the situation. The traditional leaders criticized the exclusive observance of Islamic funeral rites during the Awujale’s burial, highlighting that the omission of indigenous cultural rites starkly contradicts the historical customs that define royal transitions within Yoruba tradition.

Oba Adifagbola voiced that the action taken was a misrepresentation of the Yoruba people’s “tolerance and peaceful nature.” He emphasized that the traditionalists’ choice to avoid conflict during the burial rites stemmed from a commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, as evidenced by many Yoruba families encouraging interreligious marriages.

He further warned that the peaceful demeanor of traditionalists should never be mistaken for helplessness or weakness. “We endured the situation out of love and commitment to societal peace, not because we lack strength or rights. However, our children must now be educated to cherish, uphold, and actively engage in the religious and cultural practices inherited from their forefathers. Only through this can our cherished traditions reclaim their esteemed place in society,” Oba Adifagbola stated emphatically.

Adding his voice, the Oluwo of Iperu, High Chief Ifasola Opeolu, strongly denounced the events, labeling them as “an aberration and an outright affront to the integrity of the traditional institution.” He stressed that such disregard for the traditional practices of Yoruba royalty is unacceptable and damages the fabric of cultural identity.

To address these concerns and safeguard Yoruba cultural practices, the Isese community announced the formation of a dedicated committee. This body is tasked with engaging the Ogun State Government to deliberate on the existing legal frameworks that guide the burial of Obas in the state. Their objective is to prevent future instances where cultural rites are ignored during royal burials and to reinforce the relevance of indigenous traditions in contemporary society.