The Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Stephen Alabi, has emphasised that princes aspiring to ascend ancestral thrones bear a sacred responsibility to uphold and safeguard long-standing traditions.
He noted that this obligation extends not only to those who eventually emerge as monarchs but also to every royal contender.
He advocated for traditional rulers to be buried in accordance with Yoruba customs, distinct from Islamic or Christian rites.
He argued that imposing personal faith on an ancient communal throne was misguided, just as he dismissed claims of barbaric practices in Oba burials as baseless.
“In law, there is volenti non fit injuria, which means, in the context of the present issue, that a Prince, who knowingly and voluntarily takes the throne, cannot resile from the tradition attached to it.
“As far as I know, the Yorubas have been a highly civilised people from time immemorial. The stools we occupy date back to antiquity.
“Every civilisation has its ways of burying its dead. The Oba does not even die, but joins his ancestors.
“How, therefore, can someone who does not die be buried? We must not demonise the Yoruba monarchy,” the royal father and law lecturer said.
Oba Alabi referenced recent disputes over the burial rites of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ogun State, noting that the debate highlighted the clash between faith and tradition.
He pointed out that the International Council for Ifa Religion had earlier signalled its intent to challenge the perceived breach of Yoruba customs in court.
The monarch added that traditionalists had vowed to address what they regarded as a deviation from established practices in honouring departed rulers of the Yoruba race.