Awujale burial controversy: Governor Abiodun, SSG Talabi under fire for late arrival

Tension surrounds the late arrival of Governor Dapo Abiodun and SSG Tokunbo Talabi at Awujale’s burial, rekindling land scandal and unresolved royal conflict

The final rites for the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, took an unexpected turn when Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, arrived hours late, well after the monarch had been laid to rest.

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Their conspicuous absence during the burial rites provoked outrage and disappointment among dignitaries and Ijebu indigenes, reigniting rumours of an unresolved feud between the late king and the two top officials.

Sources close to the palace point to an explosive land scandal involving a prime Victoria Island property that was allegedly sold under shady terms.

The buyer? A company secretly tied to Talabi—acting, many believe, on behalf of Governor Abiodun.

The monarch, upon discovering the buyer’s identity, refused to endorse the sale or release the title documents, demanding full disclosure of the source of billions of naira exchanged.

Palace insiders say the betrayal ran deep, especially given Awujale’s trust in both men.

Attempts to smooth things over including a humbling palace visit where both men reportedly prostrated in apology were rebuffed.

Awujale neither spoke to them again nor lifted what many believe was a spiritual curse laid upon the pair.

Matters worsened when Talabi allegedly attempted to remove the original land documents from the palace in the monarch’s absence a move seen as a final straw by palace loyalists. Since then, Kabiyesi reportedly cut off all ties with the state government officials.

The delayed arrival at the funeral around 6:30 p.m. was described by many as a face-saving attempt that only highlighted lingering tension.

Notably, top figures such as Former VP Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Chief Olusegun Osoba were seen waiting, visibly irritated by the protocol breach.

The backlash has been swift. Ijebu indigenes and observers saw the absence not as coincidence, but as a symbol of unresolved guilt and disrespect for a monarch who ruled for over six decades with dignity.

As whispers of EFCC investigations into the controversial land deal grow louder, sources suggest that Governor Abiodun and Talabi may face legal scrutiny.

The case could have lasting political consequences as the 2027 election cycle approaches.

Though Oba Adetona is gone, the ghosts of betrayal linger. His silence, refusal to forgive, and alleged spiritual curse cast a long shadow over Ogun State’s political class.