The Ogun State Government has declared it is unfazed by threats of a legal challenge from traditionalist groups opposing the Islamic burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The government emphasized that the rites followed were in accordance with the monarch’s personal religious beliefs and fully within legal bounds.
“The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Sina Ogungbade (SAN), was reacting to the threat by the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) to take legal action against the government and the family of the late Oba Adetona over violations of traditional burial rites.”
The Punch reported Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, and was laid to rest on Monday, July 14, 2025, according to Islamic rites.
The burial has generated controversies, with the ICIR and traditionalists condemning the government for going against traditions.
The ICIR President, Dr Fayemi Fakayode, and the Council’s legal representative, Ifasola Opeodu, speaking during a media briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the weekend, reportedly described the burial as a breach of both tradition and the law.
Fakayode said Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section II of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law mandates the use of traditional rites over religious alternatives in the burial of kings.
He criticised the sidelining of the Osugbo Confraternity—custodians of final traditional rites—and praised them for their restraint.
“This is not just about the burial of one king; it is a challenge to the core of Yoruba heritage. Ignoring our customs is a direct affront to the cultural identity that defines our people,” Fakayode said.
The council accused the late monarch’s family, government officials, and security operatives of preventing the Osugbo from performing their role during the burial.
Opeodu described the burial process as a threat to democracy and an assault on the religious freedom of traditional religion practitioners.
“The refusal to follow the traditional burial laws amounts to an assault on the religious freedoms of indigenous faith adherents,” the council stated.
The ICIR, therefore, vowed to pursue legal redress and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Yoruba cultural traditions in the handling of future royal funerals.
While stating the stand of the government on the legal threat, Ogungbade (SAN) said, “If they want to sue, I will describe it as a welcome development.
“Individuals or groups who feel that the government has acted in any manner should take advantage of the opportunities existing in law to air their grievances and, if they are found to be correct, hold the government accountable.
“However, in this instance, I will offer them free legal advice. Their position is steeped in ignorance of what the law is on the matter. Their contemplated action will achieve nothing, as from what they have stated, it cannot be based on anything.”
The commissioner said, “How can the choice of the deceased Awujale or that of his family to bury him according to his faith and without disruption by anybody, as guaranteed by law, be stretched to amount to an assault on religious freedom of indigenous adherents?
“Their position, to put it mildly, is laughable. I hope that reason might yet prevail or that they will be properly advised by a legal practitioner who understands the law fully. If and when they sue, we will meet them in court.”
The Olowa Iberu and Chief Priest of Ijebu land, Chief Rasaki Osimodi, in an interview, had also expressed the dissatisfaction of the traditionalists over what he described as the connivance of the government with the family of the late Awujale.
Chief Osimodi said, “It is really painful because there was someone (the late Awujale) who ate and drank with us, but when it was time for him to pay us back, he said he must be buried according to Islamic injunction.
“It was the government that signed an agreement with Baba Awujale stating that he must be buried according to Islamic rites. If not for the government’s backing, the Osugbo society would have taken possession of the body — because, traditionally, it belongs to them.
“The late king’s children claim he did not associate with us, the traditionalists. But we know that Kabiyesi did partake in our rites — and he left obligations unpaid.
“Now they’ve brought in a heavy presence of police and soldiers. Who wants to die? So, everyone has stepped back and allowed them to do as they please.”
According to The Punch, efforts to obtain a response from the family of the late Awujale concerning the proposed legal action did not yield results. However, a senior palace figure who spoke anonymously dismissed the controversy, describing the public uproar as exaggerated and lacking substance.
The source explained that the family acted strictly within the boundaries of the law, and any dissatisfaction should be directed at the government responsible for enacting the relevant legal provisions. The palace official further stated that the ongoing noise surrounding the burial arrangements is unwarranted and unnecessary.
