The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has warned kingmakers in Yorubaland to stop crowning individuals who do not fully embrace Yoruba culture and traditional religion as Obas.
Speaking in reaction to events surrounding the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, a National Leader of OPC, Comrade Adesina Akinpelu, said it is wrong for people practicing what he described as “foreign religions” to be installed as traditional rulers.
“Anybody who is not ready to embrace our culture and tradition should not even aspire to be crowned as an Oba. This is causing setbacks for our tradition,” Akinpelu said.
He described the scenes at the Awujale’s burial as an embarrassment to Yoruba tradition, calling on all traditional leaders to remain calm but firm in upholding cultural values.
The OPC leader also criticized Nigerian political leaders who frequently travel abroad for medical care. He referenced the death of former President *Muhammadu Buhari*, saying the situation should serve as a wake-up call to invest in Nigeria’s health system.
“This should stop them from dying in foreign hospitals and bringing their corpses back home as cargo,” Akinpelu said.
He offered condolences to the people of Ijebuland, the Ogun State government, and Nigerians at large over the death of Oba Adetona. He also extended sympathies to Buhari’s family and the people of Daura in Katsina State.
The OPC has consistently pushed for the protection of Yoruba heritage and called for a stronger embrace of local customs and values in leadership, especially within traditional institutions.