The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, has clarified the reasons behind his absence at the palace during the final rites of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, stating that traditional and ancestral protocol forbade him from doing so.
Speaking with newsmen, the Lenuwa said his absence and the nonappearance of his official staff at the Awujale’s palace were in line with long-standing traditional customs that govern the relationships among royal houses in Ijebuland.
According to the monarch, the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode was his ancestral younger brother, and by tradition, it would be inappropriate for him to either bow to or appear before the late monarch.
“The reason why my Official Staff is not visible at the Awujale’s palace is because the Awujale is my ancestral younger brother,” Oba Hassan stated.
He explained that the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, the Liken of Iwopin, and the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode are considered biological brothers by royal heritage, with the Lenuwa being the eldest among the three.
“As an ancestral elder brother to the Awujale, I cannot prostrate to him nor even see him face-to-face, even when he was alive,” the Lenuwa said.
He further disclosed that he is currently observing a seven-day mourning period in accordance with traditional rites, as a mark of respect for the departed Awujale.
“I hereby commiserate with the entire people of Ijebuland, the Ijebu Traditional Council of Obas, and all Nigerians over the passing of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,” he added.
