News of the disappearance of the ‘Abobaku’ to the dead king hit Nigerian Twitter, Thursday, August 12, 2015 and as usual many views were expressed on the controversial subject matter.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade reportedly passed away some weeks ago in a London hospital. The reports of the monarch’s death was debunked by the Royal Traditional Council which blamed “enemies of the kingdom for the reports”.
The first son of the Ooni Of Ife, Adetokunbo Sijuwade on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 officially announced the death of the king, saying that his father would be buried on Friday, August 14, 2015.
According to Yoruba tradition, ”a king does not die alone”. He is buried with others who are sacrificed during the final burial rites of the king.
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The Abobaku is the person appointed to die with the king, he is buried along side the king so that he continues to serve in the king in the afterlife.
In Yoruba tradition, just as there is a lineage that becomes king, there is also a lineage that become Abobaku. The Abobaku enjoys great benefits while he is alive. Living large, just as the king and enjoying many benefits associated with being ”close” to the king.
In the case of the late Ooni of Ife, his Abobaku heard the news of the king’s passing in London and took flight. His disappearance has reportedly stalled the burial of the late king.
According to some reports, the Abobaku has filed for asylum in the United Kingdom.
https://twitter.com/DailyAlertNg/status/631080156740878336
Below are some of the reactions from Nigerians on this custom which we think is outdated and should be done away with.
"I, formerly known as Abobaku now wish to be known as Tanfeku (who wan die?). Ile-Ife kingmakers please take note” #Classified
— Femi Longe (@femilonge) August 12, 2015
I tire o. Culture wiv shedding unnecessary blood sah "@tosinadeda: A dead king or oba is damn lifeless body, wt is all this abobaku madness?
— Toluzbaba(BurntDodo) (@toluzbaba) August 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/Sir_Fin/status/631488047016751104
https://twitter.com/zebbook/status/631482030283472896
This has to be the funniest news today, Abobaku has absconded lol… to which I ask "Ta'n fe ku?" Who wants to die?😂 pic.twitter.com/MepxCLizgE
— Wale Gates (@walegates) August 12, 2015
The Abobaku will use his legs to go back to Ile Ife.. the Orunmilas in Ile Ife will force him to come back
— The Classic Man (@tkb417) August 12, 2015
So i read the Abobaku flee. Forget loyalty; If it were you, will you bobaku? AbobaFlex is the new cool.
— Slimfit (@iSlimfit) August 12, 2015
You yoruba acting like you dont know about this abobaku stuff is cute.
You didnt study in sec school? Yoruba history and all?
Lol. Cute— Omokehinde Thomas (@sisikhenie) August 12, 2015
@Prince_II beforeeeeee who wan die? It's such a terrifying tradition. Needs to go.
— Oluwaseun (@Oluwaseun__O) August 12, 2015
Dis Abobaku dude will just make yoruba juju men do "teleportation Contest" when dey ready 4 him na only am go waka come
— Brother_Mouzone (@franz411) August 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/ChisomBullet/status/631486445270732800
Lmao seen. So Abobaku has been balling all his life knowing wassup. Time to die him peel off 😭
— Bobo F. Ajudua (@Prince_II) August 12, 2015
I hope the Police Command are waiting to swoop on the Ife people when they want to bury Abobaku…
— The Classic Man (@tkb417) August 12, 2015
That reminds me of one short Yoruba film I watched. The Abobaku ran away too but because he was having affair with the King's daughter..
— MrsManUtd01 (@MrsManUtd01) August 12, 2015
In 2015 you know. They're not serious. 'Abobaku' should be in dictionary for definition "Running man" sef. https://t.co/yQRsf8MZIE
— Bobo F. Ajudua (@Prince_II) August 12, 2015
Then shocking opinion from a lawyer, who should know better.
Wait.
1. He wasnt forced to be Abobaku
2. He enjoyed d perks dat came with d office.
3. Now he doesnt want to die?Who forced him before?
— The Unlooker (@oddy4real) August 12, 2015
