Awujale Chose Islamic Burial to Prevent Ritual Killings – Chief Imam of Ijebuland

The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Alhaji Miftaudeen Ayanbadejo, has revealed that the late Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, requested to be buried according to Islamic rites to avoid traditional ritual practices associated with royal burials.

In an exclusive interview, the 78-year-old religious leader, who also serves as the Chairman of the League of Alfas and Imams in Ijebu Land, addressed the recent public debate surrounding the Islamic burial of the revered monarch.

Burial Not a Break from Tradition

According to the Chief Imam, the Awujale’s burial by Muslims was not an unprecedented event. He stated that several other monarchs in Ijebuland had previously been buried in accordance with their religious faiths, including Islam and Christianity, depending on their personal beliefs.

> “This is not new. We buried the previous Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, the late Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Y.K. Adekoya, and others according to Islamic rites. Even Governor Dapo Abiodun was present at one of those burials,” he said.