Igbajọ-Iloro stands at a critical crossroads.

How do we explain that one out of four people can become so unruly and unable to control their emotions, to the point that even their own clan struggles to restrain them? What has happened to diplomacy, that some now resort to blackmail, threats, and violence?

Why must one insist on having their way, regardless of the views of other stakeholders? Let’s be clear: the Ọmọ-Ọwa are not the owners of Igbajọ-Iloro, and certainly, they do not own the Igbo Iloro. The palace, a symbol of our unity, does not belong to the Ọmọ-Ọwa. They must tread carefully, or risk desecrating what is sacred to our community. Taking a dead body to the palace without proper etutu and without the consent of key stakeholders is dangerous and must be avoided.

According to tradition, the Ọmọ Ẹjẹmu must consent before any Ọwa’s body is taken to their groove. The Ọmọ Lufẹ must perform the Di ẹru Ọwa and prepare the body for its final journey to meet the ancestors. Once these rites begin, the body no longer belongs solely to the Ọmọ-Ọwa. Therefore, the Ọmọ-Ọwa cannot unilaterally decide how the burial rites should proceed.

This is the reality we must acknowledge. Confusion, contradiction, or bad precedent must be avoided. We cannot allow the indiscipline of a few to bring bad omens to our peaceful community. Igbajọ cannot tolerate disorder.

The Ọmọ-Ọwa must respect their limits regarding this sensitive matter. No one is stopping anyone from burying their dead in their family compound, but they must understand they do not own all of Igbajoland.

May wisdom and peace guide us in resolving these differences. Let us not allow discord to disturb Igbajọ. Asẹ ni ti Edumare.

Ọbadio Dr. Yẹmi Ọdẹtọla
Arole Ọdọlọfin ti Ilẹ Igbajọ