Ooni Of Ife: Abobaku Allegedly Runs Away

The death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has brought up many controversies.

First, there were disputes about whether he had really died, then disagreement over the curfew in the state and now the ‘Abobaku’. The Abobaku has reportedly run away after the death of the prestigious Oba. If the tweet below is to be believed, it means the final rites on behalf of the deceased Ooni of Ife might be stalled.

According to Yoruba tradition, a king does not die alone. His burial rites include being buried with other people. This is when an Abobaku comes into the picture. An Abobaku lives his life for the king and he is buried alongside the king. In the authentic tradition, just as there is a lineage that become king, there is also always a family dedicated to the ancient belief of dying with the king. An Abobaku also enjoys great benefits while he is still alive.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, spoke up on the death of the Ooni after his reported demise some weeks ago.