A traditionalist, Ifagbenusola Popoola speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI on why people who drown should be buried at the riverbank.
What’s the significance of the Yoruba culture of burying people who drowned at the river bank?
Firstly, in Yoruba cosmology, everything is believed to be alive.
There is nothing like nonliving things, rivers, trees, animals, air, and even houses are considered alive.
That’s why rivers have deities like Osun, Iyemoja, Oya, and Oba.
Every body of water has its spirit, so if someone dies in a river, it’s believed the river’s energy is disturbed and needs to be calmed to ensure peace in the community.
Yoruba tradition strongly believes in performing a ritual and burying the person by the river bank to prevent the spirit from affecting others in the community.
What happens if the rituals aren’t performed?
If rituals aren’t performed, the river’s spirit might follow the corpse into the community, causing trouble known as “Akufa.” This means the spirit could draw others to the river, risking their lives until the ritual is performed to stop it.
What are the specific rituals for burying the corpse of a drowned person in Yoruba land?
Yes, in Yoruba tradition, specific rituals and ceremonies are performed by the professionals, the priests or priestesses of that river. Each river has its priests and priestesses who understand the customs and perform the rituals.
However, some rivers in Yoruba land still hold their importance today. Specific rituals and ceremonies are performed by professionals, but we can’t openly disclose them.
Are there any traditional beliefs or taboos regarding the treatment of drowned victims in Yoruba land?
The greatest taboo is that the corpse should not be buried in the community.
Even after all the rituals had been done, if the person should die inside the river or the ocean, such a person should be buried very close to the river or the ocean.
It is taboo to bury such a person inside the community because it is going to invite bad omen or bad spirits into the community. More people may drown in the river.
What role do traditional leaders or elders play in overseeing the burial process of drowned individuals in Yoruba communities?
In the olden days, if a person drowned, nobody would touch the corpse. Not even the parents of the person; they have no right to the corpse.
How has the practice changed over time in Yoruba land?
In Yoruba society, many changes have occurred over time. If you look around today, you’ll notice that many things have gone wrong. We’re adopting Western ways, and the Western world is learning from us quietly. We’re learning from each other. This change has reduced the importance of some traditions.
