A high-stakes cultural and religious debate ignited this week in Ijebuland as the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites—a choice endorsed by state law but fiercely opposed by devout traditionalists.
Oba Adetona, who passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on July 13, 2025, was a long‑time advocate for enabling traditional rulers to be buried according to their faith—a provision later codified in the 2021 Ogun Chieftaincy Law. Governor Dapo Abiodun formally enacted the law, providing legal backing for Obas to choose religious over traditional funeral rites .
Despite this legal framework, the move has sparked intense backlash from the Osugbo and other traditionalist factions. Critics argue that routine religious burials diminish the cultural importance of centuries‑old rituals—some even alleging they could pave the way for “barbaric” practices or threaten ancestral traditions .
A statement from Ogun traditional worshippers warned against the “infringement” on the sacred duty traditionally held by cult bodies to oversee monarchs’ burials. They claim the new law could unleash chaos and potentially dilute Yoruba cultural heritage .
Supporters weigh in:
Yoruba monarchs and Ijebu leaders have voiced support for Oba Adetona’s position. The Laroka of Wanikin‑Ife, Oba Kole Ojutalayo, emphasized that any violent mistreatment of royal remains is unacceptable and praised the shift toward dignity and religious fidelity .
Oba Abdul‑Azeez Adeyemi of Aramoko Ekiti echoed this sentiment, affirming that Islamic custom mandates prompt and modest burial without interference from cultist groups .
Rising tension and public response:
In recent years, similar disputes over corpse custody have erupted—such as the violent clash between traditional worshippers and Muslim youths in Plateau State, where homes were torched amid sectarian strife . Closer to home, numerous incidents in Ogun State have highlighted friction between faiths over funeral rites .
As of Monday, Ijebu Ode's streets were quiet, with shops shuttered and palace grounds secured by armed forces, as the community awaited the burial ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. .
🧭 Why This Matters:
Legal precedence: The Ogun law sets a transformative national precedent by formally recognizing religious freedom even in royal funerals.
Cultural friction: Traditionalists fear erosion of ancestral rites, while Muslim and Christian adherents argue for faith-aligned dignity in state-sanctioned burials.
Societal implications: How this burial unfolds may determine if legal norms can reconcile divergent beliefs or fuel deeper sectarian tensions.
🔍 Looking Ahead:
1. The burial ceremony (July 14, 2025) at the Ogbagba Court residence in Ijebu Ode will be a litmus test of how both sides handle the outcome.
2. Community dialogue—there are growing calls for inclusive talks involving traditional, religious, and government representatives to craft respectful, legally sound protocols.
3. Potential litigation—despite legal protections, traditionalist groups may pursue further court action if they believe their institutional role has been jeopardized .
In Summary: The burial of the Awujale transcends a single event—it has become a crucible for defining how Yoruba society reconciles its rich cultural heritage with evolving religious liberties. Whether this moment yields unity or deepens divides depends on the community’s ability to honor both ancestral tradition and personal faith.
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