Awujale: Ogun Govt Ready for Legal Battle Over Burial Dispute with Ifa Council

The Ogun State Government has declared its readiness to face legal action over the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who was laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

Oba Adetona died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 and was buried the next day, Monday, July 14, sparking backlash from traditional groups, particularly the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR).

The ICIR accused the government and the late monarch’s family of violating Yoruba traditional customs by sidelining the Osugbo Confraternity, traditionally responsible for royal burial rites. The Council insists that the burial breached Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, specifically Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section II, which they claim requires traditional rites for monarchs.

ICIR’s Reaction

At a press conference in Ibadan, ICIR President Dr. Fayemi Fakayode and legal adviser Ifasola Opeodu described the burial as:

A violation of tradition and law

An insult to Yoruba cultural identity

A threat to religious freedom of traditional worshippers

They vowed to take legal action to ensure future royal burials respect cultural heritage.

Government’s Response

Ogun State Attorney General, Sina Ogungbade (SAN), dismissed the legal threats as unfounded. He stated that:

The Awujale and his family had the legal right to choose Islamic burial rites

Their choice does not violate any law or infringe on anyone’s religious rights

The ICIR’s interpretation of the law is flawed and misleading

Ogungbade described the lawsuit threat as “laughable” and “a waste of time,” but welcomed any legal challenge, assuring the government is fully prepared to defend its actions in court.