Africa-Press – Nigeria. Traditional worshippers under the aegis of the Isese Worshippers of Ogun State have said that the exclusion of Isese rites from the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was a show of disrespect to Yoruba cultural heritage.
The monarch died at the age of 91 on Sunday.
Oba Adetona, the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria’s traditional institution, who was installed as king on April 2, 1960, passed away after a 65-year reign.
He was buried at his residence in Ijebu Ode on Monday.
Shortly before the religious rites were conducted, a mild drama ensued as traditionalists were forcefully prevented from performing customary burial rituals at the monarch’s private residence.
The traditionalists, who arrived in large numbers, were reportedly blocked by security operatives of the Nigerian Army, who marched them to the gate.
Reacting to the development, the traditional worshippers, in a meeting held on Thursday and chaired by Oba Dr Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun, the Oba Isese of Ogun State, condemned the manner in which Islamic rites were exclusively observed at the burial, sidelining the traditional ceremonies historically linked with royal passages.
Oba Adifagbola described the incident as a “tolerance and peaceful disposition” of traditionalists who, in their bid to promote interfaith unity, have allowed their children to marry across religions.
He said the chosen burial method was disrespectful to Yoruba tradition and warned that such forbearance should not be mistaken for weakness.
“We condoned the situation out of love for the society, not because we are powerless.
“But it is time our children learn to take pride in and participate in the religious practices of their parents. This is how our traditions can regain their place of honour,” Oba Adifagbola added.
Also speaking, the Oluwo of Iperu, High Chief Ifasola Opeolu, described the development as “an aberration and a slap on the traditional institution.”
To prevent a recurrence of the incident in Ijebu Ode and to curb what they termed the “erosion of cultural identity,” the Isese community revealed that a committee had been set up to engage the Ogun State Government and review existing laws regarding the burial of Obas.
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