Late Awujale Of Ijebuland Buried (Photos)
The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been laid to rest in a private ceremony at his Igbeba residence in Ijebu-Ode.
The revered monarch was buried at 6:00 p.m. on Monday in a mausoleum he personally constructed within his compound.
It was gathered that deceased traditional ruler was buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Oba Adetona, who died on Sunday at the age of 91, was one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers and the longest-reigning Awujale in history, having ascended the throne on April 2, 1960.
His reign spanned an extraordinary 65 years, marked by visionary leadership, cultural revival, and strong advocacy for good governance and the rule of law.
The late monarch’s burial followed Islamic rites and was witnessed by close family members and palace officials, in line with his personal wishes for a modest and private final journey.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and were among the dignitaries in attendance.
Also present were Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State and serving senator, and Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
The late Awujale had championed a significant cause during his lifetime, advocating that traditional rulers be buried according to their faith.
In 2020, the bill that legally empowers traditional rulers to be installed and buried in accordance with their religious faith was initiated by the late Awujale, and formally sponsored by Akeem Balogun, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs representing Ogun Waterside constituency.
The bill passed second reading in March 2020 amid robust debate. It sparked pushback from traditionalist bodies like the Osugbo, who argued it could undermine Yoruba cultural practices. However, Christian and Muslim communities welcomed the bill.
In January 2022, Governor Dapo Abiodun signed the “Obas, Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Law of Ogun State 2021” during a ceremony at the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu-Ode.
The law includes a provision that preserves and protects the fundamental right of traditional rulers to be installed and buried according to their religious beliefs or convictions. This means that a Christian or Muslim traditional ruler in Ogun State may now legally choose a religious burial in line with their faith in addition to any required traditional rites.
The burial of Yoruba traditional leaders has long been a source of dispute in the past between religious families and traditional institutions over how deceased kings should be laid to rest.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
