The Muslim funeral for the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land, was closed to traditionalists on Monday, who were thought to be Osugbo cult members.
People started yelling at the cult members who were present at the burial, which caused some anxiety. Soldiers intervened and removed the traditionalists from the royal father’s home.
In accordance with Islamic customs, the monarch’s remains were later buried at his private home in Ijebu Ode at about six o’clock on Monday.
Remember how the state’s traditionalists had opposed the Oba and Chiefs Law of 2021, which allowed traditional leaders to be buried in accordance with their religious beliefs?
The traditionalists objected to the law’s clause, claiming that royal fathers had to be buried in accordance with custom in order to maintain tradition.
The member of the Osugbo cult arrived on Monday to enquire about the possibility of taking control of the late monarch’s funeral. The monarch is said to have played a key role in the state’s legal revision.
Soldiers, however, forbade them from interfering with the burial.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Oba Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, passed away at the age of 91.
He was interred next to his deceased father in what seemed to be a family mausoleum, which also housed his mother.
Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, the Chief Imam of Ijebu land, performed Islamic prayers before to the burial.
Speaker of the state House of Assembly Oluwadaisi Elemide, former governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and immediate-past Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) were among the dignitaries at the funeral.
The Dangote Group Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the governor of Ogun State’s wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Senator Solomon Adeola of the Ogun West senatorial district, and Senator Salisu Shuaib of the Ogun Central senatorial district were also in attendance.
“The reign of Oba Adetona was not only marked by longevity but by his towering wisdom, deep influence, enduring legacy of generosity, selflessness, progress, and uncommon peace,” Governor Abiodun stated during the celebration.
The governor said Oba Adetona was not only a pride of Ijebu land but a proud son of Nigeria who devoted his 65 years of reign to serving the people.
