The late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was laid to rest on Monday in a solemn Islamic burial, a move that has sparked tension with traditionalists who expected a customary royal interment.
The revered monarch passed away on Sunday at the age of 91. His body was interred the following day at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, beside the graves of his late parents, in strict adherence to Islamic rites. The Janazah (funeral prayer) was conducted by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, who led the Muslim faithful in final prayers.
However, moments before the burial, a group of traditional religion practitioners, believed to be members of the Osugbo cult — the custodians of Ijebu royal rites — arrived at the palace to take custody of the monarch’s remains. Their effort was thwarted by a strong security presence comprising soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who stood firm to prevent any disruption.
In a bid to maintain order, the traditionalists were escorted away from the scene, clearing the path for the Islamic burial to proceed without confrontation.
The development reflects a growing divide between modern legal reforms and age-old customs. Notably, the late monarch played a crucial role in shaping the law that ultimately governed his burial. In 2022, Governor Dapo Abiodun signed into law the Obas, Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Law of Ogun State (Bill 2021), which permits traditional rulers to choose burial rites in line with their personal religious beliefs.
Section 55 of the amended law acknowledges customary burial practices but also provides for alternative arrangements — a provision welcomed by the Muslim community but fiercely resisted by traditionalists who insist that royal burials must follow ancestral norms.
Oba Adetona’s burial was graced by a host of dignitaries, reflecting his stature as Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch. Among those in attendance were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Tunji Bosun; former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; and Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
Also present were Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji-Ishola; and Senators Gbenga Daniel and Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
As the dust settles on the monarch’s final journey, the clash between religious freedom and cultural heritage continues to provoke debate in Yoruba land — one that Oba Adetona’s bold legacy may have helped to redefine.
