• Says burial departure from established Yoruba customs
• Tinubu eulogises late Awujale, says monarch blessed, believed in him
The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has announced plans to take legal action against the Ogun State Government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, over alleged violations of traditional burial rites.
Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
However, the ICIR has condemned the process as a departure from established Yoruba customs that traditionally govern the burial of monarchs.
The ICIR President, Dr Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, and the Council’s legal representative, Ifasola Opeodu, who spoke during a media briefing at the weekend, 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, saying: “The refusal to follow the traditional burial laws amounts to an assault on the religious freedoms of indigenous faith adherents.”
The ICIR, therefore, vowed to pursue legal redress and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Yoruba cultural traditions in the handling of future royal funerals.
MEANWHILE, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, paid a glowing tribute to the late Awujale, Oba Adetona, describing him as an enigma beyond description.
He said: “I can’t find any further definition to define Awujale. Our history would not have been complete if I had failed in the last general election.
“I came to him; he blessed me and said, ‘You will win, and win once more.’ Today, he is gone, but if you listen to the depth of his wisdom, as articulated by Governor Dapo Abiodun — even with the heavy grammar, Omolomo Eleyi — you’ll understand the immense legacy Awujale left behind.”
“He was a leader of uncommon value. He brought pride and honour to the Yoruba land. He was always there in times of need, for all of us. A man of deep discipline and unshakeable integrity.”
Tinubu attributed his political success to the overwhelming support he received across the country and, significantly, the blessings of the late monarch. He commended Abiodun for the care and attention he gave the revered monarch until his last days.
The President, who recalled the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993, mandate of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O) Abiola, noted: “I was at his palace during those trying times. He stood firm, unwavering in the face of injustice, committed to reversing the annulment of that historic election.”
Tinubu described his relationship with the late Awujale as deeply personal and emotionally significant, saying: “I had an emotional attachment to him. He was truthful, courageous, and never deceptive. A rare kind of leader.”
He, therefore, urged the Yoruba people to uphold the values and unity that the Awujale embodied.
“We need to remain united and committed to the ideals the late monarch lived for. His legacy will endure, but it is now up to us to embody the values he left behind.”
“Kabiyesi was more than a royal father to me. He was a confidant, a guide, a man of unwavering truth. His wisdom was a compass for all who sought his counsel. In over six decades on the throne, he ruled with dignity, clarity, and courage, always putting his people first.”
“I am in Ijebu-Ode today to honour his memory during his eighth-day Fidau prayers. His death has left a huge vacuum in the traditional institution, not just in Yorubaland, but across Nigeria. His voice, leadership, and generosity will echo far beyond the bounds of Ijebuland,” the President further said.
However, others who eulogised the monarch, include Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji; his Ondo counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
Also in attendance at the fidau prayers were the Deputy Governors of Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo states, former governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, members of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, ministers, traditional rulers, among others.
Speaking earlier, Abiodun described the Awujale as a moral compass whose reign brought unprecedented development to Ijebuland.
According to him, the late Oba, apart from upholding the dignity and culture of Ijebuland, was a voice for the less privileged and served as a mentor to many, adding that he made a positive impact during his lifetime.
