Awujale’s burial Islamic rites begin today at Igbeba, fulfilling Oba Sikiru Adetona’s wishes under Ogun law allowing religious rites for traditional rulers.

Awujale’s burial Islamic rites will commence by 4 p.m. on today, 14 July 2025, at the Ogbagba Court residence of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in Igbeba, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Also read: Speaker Obasa mourns Awujale in touching tribute to revered monarch

The revered monarch, who died on Sunday at the age of 91, will be buried according to Islamic traditions, as confirmed by palace sources.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State formally announced the passing of the Awujale, paying tribute to his legacy as one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning and most influential traditional rulers.

The Awujale ascended the throne in 1960 and ruled for 65 years, guiding Ijebuland with wisdom, strength, and foresight.

Awujale’s burial Islamic rites reflect not only his personal faith but also his long-standing advocacy for the right of traditional rulers to be buried in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Oba Adetona had, during his lifetime, championed a bill to codify that choice into law.

The bill was initiated in 2020 and sponsored by Akeem Balogun of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

Despite resistance from traditionalist groups such as the Osugbo, who viewed the move as a departure from Yoruba customs, the bill gained widespread support from religious communities.

Governor Abiodun signed the “Obas, Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Law of Ogun State 2021” into law at a ceremony hosted at the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu Ode.

This law formally enshrined the right of any traditional ruler to choose a burial based on their religious convictions, in addition to customary rites.

Awujale burial Islamic rites begin today in line with Kabiyesi’s wish and the law he helped bring into reality.

Awujale’s burial Islamic rites will now fulfil this vision as Oba Adetona becomes the first prominent monarch in Ogun State to be laid to rest entirely according to his Islamic faith, setting a precedent for future generations of traditional rulers.

Businesses in Ijebu Ode and neighbouring towns remained closed on Monday in honour of the late king.

A combined team of security personnel, including Nigerian Army operatives, has secured the palace to ensure a peaceful and orderly burial ceremony.

Oba Sikiru Adetona, born on 10 May 1934, was installed as the Awujale on 2 April 1960. A native of the Royal House of Anikinaiya, he hailed from Imupa, Ijebu Ode.

His lineage traced back to Oba Anikilaya, and his reign was defined by integrity, cultural stewardship, and a progressive embrace of education and modern governance.

A former student of Olu-Iwa College and a trained accountant in the United Kingdom, Oba Adetona brought a rare blend of traditional wisdom and modern sensibility to his role.

He played an active role in the Western Region House of Chiefs and earned national respect for his diplomacy and vision.

In recent years, he endowed a ₦250 million professorial chair in governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, cementing his legacy as a monarch who believed in knowledge, leadership, and the empowerment of future generations.

Oba Adetona’s burial marks the end of a historic era and the beginning of a new chapter in the cultural and spiritual journey of Ijebuland.