From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
International Council For Ifa Religion, ICIR has vowed to sue the Ogun State government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona for violating the legal and laid down traditional rites of burying a traditional ruler in the State.
The famous monarch joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13 at the age of 91 and was buried according to Islamic rites.
ICIR promised to correct what they called an anomaly and a departure from the laid down traditional practice of the Yoruba tribe in giving the last respect and rites to the deceased king.
This was contained in an address by the President of ICIR, Dr Fayemi Fakayode and the legal representative of the group, Barrister Opeodu at a press conference held in Ibadan on Saturday.
Fakayode referred to the last judicial pronouncement over the matter when the late Awujale was alive, which upheld the burial of traditional rulers according to the customs and traditions of Yoruba people as against that of foreign religions like Islam and Christianity.
While commending the Osugbo Confraternity that was saddled with the responsibility of performing the final rites on any dead Awujale for their peaceful conduct after being prevented from doing their traditional duties, the ICIR president said the action of the state, by enforcing Islamic burial rites for Oba Adetona contravened Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section ¡¡ of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.
According to him, “Following the recent controversy surrounding the burial rites of Oba Awujale of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, we at the International Council For Ifa Religion commend the Osugbo Confraternity of Ijebu-Ode for their exemplary restraint and patience in the face of adversity. That is infact a virtue that aligns with the noble teachings of Òrúnmìlà.
“This poignant moment reminds us that the gentleness of a lion is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to its wisdom and strength, as embodied in the proverb ‘Yíyọ́ ẹkùn; tojo kọ́.’
“Regarding the burial rites of the late Oba Adetona, it is essential to recall that the matter was settled while the late monarch was still alive by a court of law and with the new bill passed in the state.
“Any action contrary to this judgment and the laws of the land would be a disregard of the customs and traditions that have been the cornerstone of our heritage, there is no doubt that the burial was not in consonance with the law of the state and it is obvious that it contravened Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section ii of the Ogun State Chieftaincy law.
“This issue transcends a mere burial rite; it represents a challenge to the very fabric of our customs and traditions, the actions taken at the event were part of a larger agenda to erode the cultural practices that have defined us for generations and strategic plan towards annihilation of our race by invaders who mischievously naturalised and whose offsprings are now pursuing their fathers’ agenda.
“We urge sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Yoruba race to recognise that the institution of Obaship is not only a sacred tradition, but also a choice that demands respect for our cultural heritage. We must acknowledge that our diversity is our strength and that our differences are what make our culture so rich and vibrant.
“We condemn the disrespect shown to the Osugbo Confraternity during the event by the family of the late Oba. To prevent such occurrence in the future, we will take necessary legal actions.”
The legal representative of ICIR noted that the actions of the family, the government of Ogun State and various law enforcement agencies constitute a threat to the growth of democracy and an infringement on the fundamental rights of the traditional believer.
