Pastor, Ifa Priest Clash Over Secrecy In Yoruba Monarchs’ Burial Traditions

Religious leaders from both the Christian and Islamic faiths found common ground during the 34th edition of the popular monthly current affairs program, Boiling Point Arena, as they jointly called for an end to certain secretive and fetish burial traditions surrounding the death of Yoruba monarchs.

Pastor Femi Emmanuel, a well-known preacher, and Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, a respected Islamic scholar, agreed that cultural practices lacking transparency or that offend human decency should be reformed. They urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to embrace modernity while preserving the essence of their heritage.

However, their position was strongly opposed by Dr. Obafemi Jegede, an Ifa priest and Associate Professor of African Indigenous Knowledge at the University of Ibadan, who defended the traditions as misunderstood and often misrepresented.

The programme, themed “Secrecy vs Transparency: The Great Battle Over Yoruba Monarchs’ Burial Traditions and the Future of Yoruba Culture”, was hosted by media professional Dr. Ayo Arowojolu and broadcast live on six radio stations across Lagos, Ogun, and Delta States, as well as on cable television channel NSTV. It was chaired by the Olówu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, who himself affirmed his Islamic faith, stating, “I was not chosen by Ifa.”

Pastor Emmanuel: Culture Must Adapt to Modern Realities

Pastor Emmanuel, presiding pastor of Living Spring Church International, stressed that while culture and tradition are essential to identity and unity, they must evolve to remain relevant.

“Culture gives identity to people. It preserves their heritage and fosters unity. But culture must be reviewed and improved upon to survive,” he said. “Many aspects of our culture are shrouded in secrecy, mysticism, superstition, and taboos. When it comes to Obaship, all the cards must be on the table. If certain traditions conflict with one’s faith or conscience, a person should have the right to opt out.”

He cited the example of Jewish culture, which has preserved some traditions while abandoning others that no longer align with modern realities, urging Yorubaland to follow a similar path.

Sheikh Ahmad: Tradition Must Respect Religious Convictions

Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad echoed Pastor Emmanuel’s stance, clarifying that Islam is not against culture but accepts it only when it aligns with moral and religious principles.

“Culture is dynamic. Any culture that refuses to adapt will die. Some traditional practices are causing embarrassment to the Yoruba people — such as imposing movement restrictions or curfews. In modern times, only government has that authority,” he argued.

He emphasised the need for mutual respect among followers of different faiths: “For peaceful coexistence, we must not only tolerate but accredit one another. If a king wishes to be buried according to his religion, what harm does that do to society?”

Sheikh Ahmad urged traditional leaders to remove practices that infringe on individual freedoms and to create a Yoruba society where personal convictions are respected without undermining cultural heritage.

Dr. Jegede: Defending Yoruba Traditional Practices

Taking a sharply different view, Dr. Obafemi Jegede insisted that many of the so-called “fetish” burial rites are deliberate inventions of Yoruba forebears designed to ensure peace and order.

According to him, the negative portrayal of these customs is often based on exaggerated or false narratives aimed at alienating the Yoruba people from their roots.

“The reason many kings prefer to do it the Christian or Muslim way after enthronement is because they want to go to heaven,” he said. “I say clearly — there is no heaven better than this earth. Our forebears thought out these practices in the interest of stability and harmony. They should be respected, not discarded.”

Dr. Jegede urged Yoruba religionists to stand by their traditions, asserting that these customs are deeply embedded in the identity of the people and form a key part of their cultural legacy.

Olówu’s Perspective: Faith and Tradition Can Coexist

Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, chair of the event, provided a royal perspective, noting that while he was chosen as a monarch without recourse to Ifa divination, his Islamic faith has not hindered his service to his people. His example, he suggested, demonstrates that religious faith and traditional leadership can coexist without conflict when managed with openness and respect.

The Bigger Question: Preservation vs. Reform

The debate underscored a long-standing tension in Yoruba society: how to preserve the richness of tradition while discarding aspects that are seen as incompatible with contemporary values and religious freedoms.

For Pastor Emmanuel and Sheikh Ahmad, the future of Yoruba culture lies in transparency, research, and reform—ensuring that tradition evolves without losing its essence. For Dr. Jegede, however, the survival of Yoruba identity depends on resisting pressures to abandon indigenous practices in favour of imported religious norms.

As Yorubaland continues to navigate this cultural crossroads, the conversation from Boiling Point Arena highlights a growing consensus on one point: culture matters deeply. The disagreement lies in how it should evolve.

Whether through reform or preservation, the future of Yoruba monarchs’ burial traditions will depend on dialogue between traditionalists, religious leaders, and the communities they serve—ensuring that culture remains both relevant and respected in a rapidly changing world.