A High Chief in Ìjẹ̀bú, Rasaki Adeneye has shed light on how the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, managed the delicate balance between his Islamic faith and the traditional obligations of the throne.
In an interview with Punch Newspapers, Adeneye recounted that shortly after Oba Adetona’s ascension to the throne in 1960, he embarked on a tour of all the shrines in Ijebuland, acknowledging their spiritual significance and giving clear instructions about his burial.
“In 1960 after his installment, he visited all the shrines. And according to the reports, he said that the Muslims should bury him but they should give Ìṣẹ̀ṣe people their request,” Adeneye revealed.
The High Chief explained that while the Awujale identified strongly with Islam, he never dismissed the role of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe in sustaining the cultural heritage of Ijebu people. Instead, he sought a middle ground directing that his personal burial be conducted by Muslims but ensuring that traditional worshippers were allowed to carry out the rites they considered essential.
According to Adeneye, this decision reflected the monarch’s wisdom and his deep understanding of the spiritual weight attached to Yoruba kingship. “He was a Muslim, yes, but he respected our shrines. He never ignored the Ìṣẹ̀ṣe community or denied them their place,” he said.
The Chief added that Oba Adetona’s example serves as a lesson in tolerance and cultural preservation, as he was able to uphold his personal faith while safeguarding the traditions of his people.
