The Aafin Awujale of Ijebuland has provided clarification and guidance on the procedure for announcing the demise of any of Awujale’s Chiefs.
In a letter dated May 2, 2020, addressed to Olisa Adeoye Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu Ode and signed by Olumide Quadri, a palace official, the Aafin Awujale explained that it “is the duty, responsibility and function of the children/family of the demised Chief traditionally to report same to the Palace of Awujale.”
The Olisa had on May 1, 2020 written to the Awujale, informing him of the death of Alhaji Teslim Adeniji, the Egbo of Ijebu Ode, on the same day at the age of 103 years. A sum of N5,000 announcement fee was attached to the letter with a request for confirmation and approval from Awujale for the deceased Chief to be buried according to Muslim rights at his Odo-Egbo, Ijebu Ode residence.
Responding, the Aafin Awujale described the Olisa’s letter as “an undue interference in a matter over which you have no concern.” It also returned the N5,000 attached as “announcement fee.”
The Aafin Awujale’s letter is reproduced bellow:
“RE: ALHAJI TESLIM A. ADENIJI (DECEASED)
Your letter dated 1st May, 2020 reporting the death of Chief Teslim Adeniji, Egbo of Ijebu Ode refers.
On point of correction and for future guidance, it is not your duty, responsibility and function to report the demise of any Chief, understanding very well that none of the Chiefs is responsible to you and neither do you have anything traditionally or otherwise to do with any of them. They are traditionally and in every sense, the Chiefs of the Awujale, assisting his administration and not Olisa’s Chiefs.
Please be informed and be understood clearly that it is the duty, responsibility and function of the children/family of the demised Chief traditionally to report same to the Aafin Awujale.
Consequently, you letter now under reference is an undue interference in a matter over which you have no concern.
The 5,000 accompanying your said letter is herewith returned.”
Signed:
Olumide Quadri
For: Secretary to the Awujale