The Olowu of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has expressed disapproval over the manner in which some Africans honour their ancestors, questioning the untidy state of shrines used for such practices.
The monarch, in a post shared on social media, reacted to a photo of a shrine where some Nigerians were seen performing ancestral rites. He described the space as unkempt and wondered if such depictions truly reflected the dignity of African forefathers.
“Can anyone be proud to say, this is where and how I honour my fathers and forefathers? Are our forefathers really dirty or do they belong to the dustbin?” he asked.
Oba Akanbi suggested that there were more refined ways to remember ancestors, such as using flowers, pleasant fragrances, and offering prayers in their memory.
“I believe there are better ways to remember our ancestors like ododo eye (beautiful flowers), oorun didun (perfumes), and prayers for them,” he added.
He concluded his message with his royal titles, signing off as:
“Alase Lori Orisa, Arole Olodumare, Oba Adewale Akanbi Telu I.”
