The Chief Priest of Ijebuland, Chief Rasaki Osimodi, has expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the decision to exclude traditional worshippers from the burial rites of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 91.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, Chief Osimodi — who also serves as the Olowa Iberu and a member of the kingmaking council — said the sidelining of traditionalists from the final rites of the monarch was painful and spiritually problematic.
“Here was someone who ate and drank with us, but when it was time to pay us back, he said he must be buried according to Islamic injunction,” he lamented.
According to Chief Osimodi, the relationship between the late monarch and traditionalists had grown cold in recent years. “To some extent, a relationship existed, but we genuinely cannot say that it was entirely cordial because the royal father condemned many traditional practices,” he explained.
He recalled that Oba Adetona stopped participating in traditional rites such as the Obinrin Ojowu and Agemo festivals years ago. “The Agemo masquerade last danced in Ijebu Ode in 2019. For the Obinrin Ojowu festival, the royal father withdrew his support over three years ago,” he added.
Despite this, the chief priest said Oba Adetona had a history of participating in traditional rituals during the early part of his reign. “He truly ate and dined with us — and was very much a part of our traditional life, especially in his earlier years on the throne.”
The late monarch’s burial has sparked debate and discontent among the traditional institutions in Ijebuland. According to the chief priest, traditionalists were barred from the funeral, not by soldiers as widely reported, but by some individuals present at the burial site.
“Ade, one of the late Awujale’s children, told our people that his father had never associated with them and asked them to leave,” he said. “But the Lisa, traditionally the second-in-command to the Awujale, had already instructed us not to fight or make trouble.”
The burial, carried out under tight security, deviated from the long-established traditional practices for royal interments. “In our tradition, there shouldn’t be a marked burial site for an Awujale,” Chief Osimodi explained. “Now that the burial place is known, there will be spiritual consequences.”
“We Have Begun Spiritual Correction”
While barred from performing the rites at the burial site, the traditionalists have begun their own rituals to ward off any spiritual repercussions. “We’ve taken spiritual steps to correct what has been done wrongly. For example, we’ve closed major markets for three months during the mourning period,” the priest said.
He emphasized that failure to perform traditional rites could result in chaos and unrest. “If we abandon our traditional duties, it will certainly bring misfortune.”
Markets such as Oke Aje, Ita Osu, Oyingbo, and Itale will remain closed throughout the mourning period, with traders instructed to sell their goods outside until full rites are completed.
Looking ahead to the selection of the next Awujale, Chief Osimodi appealed to the government to refrain from interfering. “The Lisa should be given full authority to handle everything, as tradition demands,” he stated. “If the government stays out of it, the process will move smoothly.”
He warned that political meddling could disrupt the transition. “Certain chiefs must be installed before the new Awujale can be crowned. The Lisa must be allowed to oversee this.”
Chief Osimodi accused the government of being complicit in sidelining traditionalists. “Who brought in the armoured vehicles? Was it not the government?” he asked. “They signed an agreement with Baba Awujale that he must be buried according to Islamic rites. If not for government’s backing, the Osugbo society would have taken possession of the body.”
Despite the tension, he assured that the event would not spark religious violence. “If there was going to be a crisis, it would have happened on Monday during the burial. But God took control, and everything went peacefully.”
Appeal to the Government: “Nigerians Are Hungry”
Beyond the local dispute, Chief Osimodi used the opportunity to urge President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun to tackle Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship.
“Nigerians are suffering. The hunger in the land is real,” he said. “Prices of basic things have become unbearable. I am appealing to our leaders to please come to our aid. Let the President consider restoring the fuel subsidy — or find another way to cushion the effect.”
He stressed the need for food production and support for the masses. “Virtually everyone is feeling the heat. Please help us.”
Despite the burial controversy, the Chief Priest acknowledged the achievements of the late monarch. “He was a good man. His reign brought peace and development,” he said, citing the advancement of the Ojude Oba festival and the push for the creation of Ijebu State as key legacies.
“Although he may not have been a strong supporter of the traditionalists, there are many other remarkable achievements that came to life under his leadership.”
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona reigned as the Awujale of Ijebuland for over six decades, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarchs. As debates continue over his burial rites and legacy, Ijebuland now looks ahead to the selection of a new traditional ruler — one expected to navigate the complex intersections of culture, religion, and governance.
