Yoruba Abobaku: What You Need to Know About The Tradition of “He who Dies with the king”Abobaku
Origin and Role
Approximately 400 years ago, in the Old Oyo Empire, the role of the Abobaku held significant importance. The term “Abobaku” translates to “He who dies with the king,” referring to an individual chosen to be buried alive with the king upon the monarch’s death. It was believed that the failure to inter the Abobaku with the king would result in severe misfortune for the people. This unique practice was specific to the Old Oyo Empire and did not extend to other Yoruba regions such as Ile-Ife.
Purpose
The Abobaku tradition served as a form of insurance for the Alaafin, the king of Oyo. It ensured a strong, permanent bond of allegiance between the king and his most dependable general. The Abobaku was highly motivated to keep the king alive, as his own life was directly linked to the monarch’s. Historians suggest that this practice emerged as a countermeasure against the frequent poisoning of kings by their successors and palace workers, creating a deterrent to such treachery.
Historical Context
The custom of the Abobaku dates back to the ancient Oyo Empire, known for its powerful rulers who exerted great control over many villages. The Oyo Empire’s dominance often led other towns to seek independence, especially during times of war. During these turbulent periods, the Abobaku, often serving as a war general, was responsible for the king’s safety during battles and was expected to die protecting the Alaafin. For instance, when Alaafin Atiba, the first Alaafin of the old Oyo Empire, passed away, over 21 people were buried alive with him.
Change and Abolition
The tradition persisted until relatively recent times. When a king died in 1980, preceding Olubuse II, there was no Abobaku to be buried with him, yet no calamity befell the land after seven days, challenging the necessity of the practice.
During the colonial era, the arrival of British colonial masters brought significant changes. The Abobaku, who became an essential interpreter for the British, was too valuable to be sacrificed. When a king died, the British authorities protected the Abobaku by framing him for a crime and sentencing him to life imprisonment, thus preventing his burial with the king. On the sixth day, palace chiefs, realizing the Abobaku was unavailable, decided to use a live cow as a substitute, and surprisingly, no disaster occurred. This incident led to the abolition of the Abobaku tradition.
Legacy
The abolition of the Abobaku practice marked a significant cultural shift in Yorubaland. It illustrated the adaptability of Yoruba traditions and the influence of colonial intervention. The saying “eni oyinbo feran ni ti mole” (whoever the white man loves is being caged) reflects the paradox of colonial influence—while it often disrupted traditional practices, it also provided protection and new opportunities for some individuals within society.
