Stop Running People! The Abobaku, Man Elected To Be Buried With Ooni Of Ife Today Was Allegedly Recaptured

             Unconfirmed reports have it that the ‘Abobaku’ – the man who was elected to be buried alive with the recently deceased Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade - has been recaptured.

This follows the earlier escape of the man upon hearing of the Oba’s death on several media platforms, despite denials by the Traditional Royal Council of Ife. 

The Abobaku is believed to have been appointed to live and die with Ooni of Ife in 1980 when the deceased Oba was coronated.

According to Yoruba tradition, a king does not die alone. His burial rites include being buried with other people. Therefore, Oba Okunade Sijuade who is expected to be buried today, Friday as announced by his family and Ife traditional chiefs will be interred alongside the Abobaku, who according to unverified sources has just been recaptured. 

However, if this traditional burial rite, which has been described as barbaric in several quarters, would happen today is still very uncertain and rather unlikely.