- Ogun Govt Braces for Legal Showdown with Ifa Council over Awujale’s Burial
- Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was buried according to Islamic customs
- Fakayode cited Part 8, Section 55, Subsection II of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law
The Ogun State Government on Monday stated that it remains unfazed by any threats of legal action from individuals or groups challenging the burial of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, which was conducted according to Islamic customs.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Sina Ogungbade (SAN), made the remarks in response to a threat from the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) to take legal steps against both the government and the late monarch’s family for allegedly disregarding traditional burial practices.
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Ogungbade said that while it is within legal rights to question government actions through the courts, pursuing litigation over the decision to honor the Awujale’s religious wishes would be a waste of time and resources.
Oba Adetona died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, and was buried the following day in accordance with Islamic rites.
The burial has sparked controversy, with ICIR and other traditionalists criticizing the state for ignoring established customs.
ICIR President Dr. Fayemi Fakayode and the Council’s legal adviser, Ifasola Opeodu, speaking at a press briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the weekend, reportedly described the burial as a violation of both tradition and the law.
Fakayode cited Part 8, Section 55, Subsection II of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, which he said requires the use of traditional rites rather than religious alternatives in the burial of monarchs.
He also condemned the exclusion of the Osugbo Confraternity, traditionally responsible for final burial rites, but commended them for exercising 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 representatives, and security personnel of obstructing the Osugbo from carrying out their traditional responsibilities during the burial.
Opeodu described the burial procedure as a threat to democratic principles and a violation of the religious rights of traditional worshippers.
“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, pledged to seek legal redress and reaffirmed its dedication to protecting Yoruba cultural practices in the conduct of future royal burials.
Responding to the legal threat, Attorney General Ogungbade (SAN) stated, “If they choose to take legal action, I would consider it 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 of Iberu and Chief Priest of Ijebu land, Chief Rasaki Osimodi, also voiced the discontent of traditionalists in an interview, accusing the government of colluding with the family of the late Awujale in bypassing customary burial practices.
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.”
Attempts to obtain a response from the family of the late Awujale regarding the proposed legal action according to The Punch were unsuccessful.
However, a senior palace chief, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed the controversy as baseless and overblown.
The source said, “The Awujale family has been guided by the provision of the law, and if anyone is angry over that, the person should confront the government that enacted the law and not the family.
“In any case, the noise is needless; it is what we call much ado about nothing.”
