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Ogun Government Ready to Fight Ifa Council Over Awujale’s Burial

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 22nd, 2025.

Ogun Government Ready to Fight Ifa Council Over Awujale’s Burial

The Ogun State Government declared on Monday that it remains unfazed by any legal threats from groups or individuals contesting the burial of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, which followed Islamic burial rites.

Mr. Sina Ogungbade (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, responded to the International Council for Ifa Religion’s (ICIR) announcement of plans to sue the government and the late monarch’s family, accusing them of disregarding traditional burial customs.

Ogungbade emphasized that pursuing legal action against the government over the Awujale’s Islamic burial would be futile, though he acknowledged that the law allows for challenges through the courts.

Oba Adetona passed away on July 13, 2025, at 91 years old, and was buried the following day according to Islamic traditions. The decision has sparked controversy, with the ICIR and traditionalists condemning the government’s alleged breach of cultural protocols.

During a weekend press briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State, ICIR President Dr. Fayemi Fakayode and legal counsel Ifasola Opeodu criticized the burial, claiming it violated both tradition and the law.

Fakayode pointed to Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section II of Ogun State’s Chieftaincy Law, which mandates traditional rites for royal burials, expressing disappointment over the exclusion of the Osugbo Confraternity, custodians of the final rites.

“This issue transcends the burial of a single king; it strikes at the very heart of Yoruba heritage. Disregarding our customs threatens the cultural identity that defines us,” Fakayode said.

The council accused government officials, security personnel, and the late king’s family of obstructing the Osugbo from fulfilling their ceremonial duties.

Opeodu described the burial as an attack on democracy and an infringement on the religious freedoms of traditional faith practitioners.

“The failure to adhere to traditional burial laws undermines the religious rights of indigenous faith followers,” the council stated, vowing to seek justice through the courts to protect Yoruba cultural practices in future royal funerals.

In response to the legal threats, Ogungbade welcomed any lawsuit as an opportunity for judicial review but maintained that the complainants’ claims are rooted in a misunderstanding of the law.

“It is baffling how choosing to bury the deceased according to his faith could be interpreted as an assault on the religious freedoms of indigenous faith adherents,” Ogungbade remarked. “Their case, as presented, lacks merit and will not succeed.”

He added, “I hope reason prevails, or that they obtain proper legal advice. Should they proceed to court, we are ready to defend the government’s position.”

Chief Rasaki Osimodi, Olowa Iberu and Chief Priest of Ijebu land, expressed disappointment with the government’s role, accusing it of siding with the late Awujale’s family over traditional customs.

He lamented, “It’s painful that someone who once shared our customs chose an Islamic burial. The government signed an agreement allowing this, effectively blocking the Osugbo, who by tradition have rights over the body. The heavy security presence discouraged opposition.”

Attempts to reach the late monarch’s family for comment on the looming legal battle were unsuccessful. However, a senior palace official, speaking anonymously, dismissed the controversy as baseless noise.

“The family acted within legal boundaries,” the source stated. “Anyone upset should address the government that made the law, not the family. The fuss is unnecessary.”