The fate of the closest person to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi Lamidi III who have been enjoying the same benefits with the monarch while alive has been revealed.
The term “Abobaku” is presently trending on Twitter and other social media platforms following the news passing of Oba Adeyemi today.
Many tweeps have been sharing comments on what would be the fate of the person.
In ancient Yoruba Culture, anyone who bore the Abobaku title was buried alongside the incumbent king upon his demise.
It is believed that the title was a way of strengthening loyalty and preventing betrayal that could lead to the King’s untimely death since whoever occupied the position was sure to protect the King as much as he could, to avoid his death as well.
Abobaku title was a death trap, as the holder of such title had their life depending on the death or survival of the incumbent King. But the position was much contested, just like other exalting chiefly titles in the kingdom. And this was because of the benefits attached to the title.
The abobaku is believed to be close to the King with the right to enjoy the royal largess. He may even have rights nearly equal to that of the King, depending on the cultural practices of the kingdom in question.
While some showed concerns and kicked against the revival of such tradition following the circumstances that surrounded the passing the late Ife Monarch, Oba Sijuwade, whose Abobaku was said to have run away because of the fear of death; others are asking that chief Abobaku be closely monitored from escaping so as to be buried with the monarch to avoid calamity in the land.
The Abobaku tradition started in the ancient town of Oyo. Since the Abobaku knows he has to die when the king dies, he wholeheartedly ensures the king remains alive, healthy and safe.
Did late Alaafin Adeyemi have an Abobaku?
According to BBC Yoruba, investigation revealed that Oba Adeyemi had an Abobaku.
It stated that a palace source said that Oba Adeyemi had an Abobaku but the name has been changed (from Abobaku) to ‘Oloko ehin’.
The source added that in line with the ancient culture and tradition, the Oloko ehin (Abobaku) is supposed to die/be buried alongside Oba Adeyemi.
However, the culture has been changed. Instead of the Oloko ehin (Abobaku) to die/be buried alongside the late monarch, a special rite will be performed instead.
In his explanation, the palace source said the rite will ensure that the Oloko ehin (Abobaku) does not die alongside the king.
Oba Adeyemi has been buried in the ancient town of Oyo according to Islamic rites on Saturday.
His remains were laid to rest within the premises of the palace.
The monarch is the third prominent Oba to have died in Oyo State in less than five months.
