*ON THE NON-TRADITIONAL BURIAL OF HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OBA (DR.) SIKIRU ADETONA, GCON, OGBAGBA II, THE AWUJALE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBULAND
Issued by: Concerned Sons and Daughters of Ijebuland
It is with a heavy heart and a deeply troubled spirit that we condemn in the strongest cultural and spiritual terms the decision to bury our revered monarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland, outside the sacred grounds of Igbo Odu, the traditional resting place of our fathers.
This act is not merely a deviation it is an abomination.
“Eku may no longer cry as eku, eja may no longer cry as eja, and Omo eniyan may no longer speak with the dignity of mankind…”
These are not empty words; they echo the depth of our spiritual fears and ancestral warnings. To bury the custodian of our culture, our history, and our soul within the confines of his personal residence, rather than within the sacred earth prepared by our forebearers, is to shake the foundations of Ijebuland’s spiritual covenant.
Let it be known that:
This act violates centuries of ancestral protocols.
It threatens the spiritual continuity of our kingship.
It invites ancestral vengeance, disrupts communal harmony, and may plague generations yet unborn with confusion and misfortune.
The Awujale was not a mere mortal in our eyes; he was Orisa, a symbol of divine authority and as such, he deserved not just our respect in life, but the sacred transition owed to every true monarch in death.
We therefore call on the Council of Chiefs, royal lineage, custodians of Ijebu traditions, and all well-meaning sons and daughters of the land to:
1. Review and correct this abomination, if at all still spiritually possible.
2. Ensure this unholy precedent is not repeated or normalised.
3. Convene a reconciliation with the ancestors to appease the offended spirits.
The abomination in Yoruba land, especially Ijebu which is home of traditions and cultural heritage
The place where Obas (traditional kings) are buried is traditionally known in Yoruba culture as “Ile Odù” or “Igbo Orò” or “Ìgbó Olófin or Igbo Oloja” depending on the town or kingdom.
It is often a sacred forest or ancestral shrine set aside specifically for the burial of kings and sometimes high-ranking traditional chiefs. The exact name may vary from one Yoruba kingdom to another, but the concept is the same, a spiritually-significant place reserved solely for royal burials.
*WHY ARE OBAS BURIED DIFFERENTLY?
Obas are not buried like ordinary people because:
1. Spiritual Continuity: Obas are believed to be semi-divine or representatives of the gods on earth (e.g. some are seen as descendants of Oduduwa or Oranmiyan). Their burial is considered a transition to the ancestral realm.
2. Preservation of Sacred Knowledge: Some believe certain rituals must be performed to transfer spiritual authority and protect the kingdom from chaos.
3. Cultural Tradition: The process is tied to long-standing customs, often involving traditional rites, secret societies (like the Ogboni’s,Osogbo’s or Oro cult), and kingmakers.
4. Protection of Royal Secrets: The location and method of burial often remain secret to protect the sanctity of the royal stool and kingdom.
What Happens If a King Is Not Buried in the Designated Place?
Disregarding these traditions is believed to have serious consequences:
1. Spiritual Disruption: It is feared that the spirit of the king may not rest or may become vengeful, causing unrest in the kingdom.
2. Cultural Desecration: It is seen as an abomination, which could invite curses, misfortune, or disunity within the community.
3. Loss of Legitimacy: Future kings may be seen as illegitimate if the predecessor was not properly buried, affecting traditional authority and rites.
4. Ancestral Disconnect: It disrupts the line of spiritual succession and communion with the ancestors, which is vital in Yoruba cosmology.
It’s Abomination to Yoruba land when all the spiritual rites are not thoroughly put in place for any king in our society
May the land forgive us.
May the ancestors find a voice again And may Ijebuland not become a shadow of herself.
