The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has declared its intent to file a lawsuit against the Ogun State Government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, for allegedly violating established legal and traditional Yoruba burial rites for traditional rulers.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Saturday, in Ijebu-Ode, led by ICIR President Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode and legal representative Barrister Ifasola Opeodu.
Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was buried on Monday, July 14, at his private residence in Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, in accordance with Islamic rites, as per his personal wishes and the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021.
This law allows traditional rulers to be buried according to their religious beliefs. However, the ICIR argues that the exclusion of traditional Yoruba rites, historically performed by the Osugbo Confraternity, constitutes a significant departure from Yoruba cultural heritage and legal standards.
Dr. Fakayode referenced a judicial ruling by Justice P.O. Akinside of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal, which emphasized that traditional rulers, as custodians of Yoruba customs, must be buried according to established traditional practices rather than foreign religious customs like Islam or Christianity.
“The burial of Oba Adetona solely by Islamic rites is an anomaly that undermines the sacred traditions of our people,” Fakayode stated, commending the Osugbo Confraternity for their restraint despite being barred by security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, from performing their customary duties during the burial.
Barrister Opeodu, also the Coordinator of the Traditional Worshippers Association of Ogun State, described the incident as a “slap on the traditional institution” and criticized the state government for enforcing the 2021 law, which he argued was misinterpreted by the executive.
“Only the judiciary has the mandate to interpret laws. This misapplication has caused unnecessary tension and eroded our cultural identity,” he said, noting that the ICIR has formed a committee to engage the Ogun State Government and review the burial laws to prevent future occurrences.
The burial, attended by dignitaries including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Aliko Dangote, was led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, at 6 p.m. on July 14.
The event saw tension when traditionalists, arriving to perform customary rites, were turned away by security forces, prompting widespread debate.
While the Ogun State Government and Muslim groups like the Ogun State Muslim Council praised the burial as a fulfillment of Oba Adetona’s wishes, traditionalists maintain it disrespects Yoruba heritage.
The ICIR’s planned legal action signals a looming battle over the balance between religious freedom and cultural preservation in Ogun State, with implications for future royal burials.
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