A tense moment unfolded during the Muslim funeral rites for the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as soldiers reportedly prevented members of the Osugbo cult, a traditionalist group, from entering the venue.
The presence of the traditionalists at the royal father’s private residence in Ijebu Ode, where the funeral was being held, initially caused apprehension among attendees.
However, eyewitnesses reported that individuals present began shouting at the group, while soldiers swiftly intervened, taking control of the situation and escorting the traditionalists away from the premises.
The incident is believed to be linked to the traditionalists’ long-standing opposition to the Oba and Chiefs Law of 2021.
This law stipulates that traditional rulers can be buried according to their religious disposition, a provision the Osugbo cult has consistently rejected, arguing for the preservation of established traditional burial rites for monarchs. Oba Adetona was reportedly instrumental in the amendment of this very law in the state.
The monarch’s remains were subsequently interred at his Ijebu Ode private residence around 6 PM, in accordance with Islamic rites.
He was buried beside his late father in what appeared to be a family mausoleum, where his mother was also interred. The interment was preceded by Islamic prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ijebu land, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo.
Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, after a remarkable 65-year reign, was widely celebrated for his leadership and contributions.
Dignitaries from across the political and business spectrum gathered to pay their last respects. Among those present were immediate-past Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oluwadaisi Elemide. Also in attendance were former governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, and prominent business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun lauded the late monarch, stating, “The reign of Oba Adetona was not only marked by longevity but by his towering wisdom, deep influence, enduring legacy of generosity, selflessness, progress and uncommon peace.” The governor emphasized that Oba Adetona was not only a pride of Ijebu land but also “a proud son of Nigeria who devoted his 65 years of reign to serving the people.”
He further described the late royal father as “a bundle of intellect, he was principled, he was forthright, he was a philosopher, a social engineer, a transparent and incorruptible monarch and equitable judgement with a solid commitment to the Nigerian state.”
Governor Abiodun concluded by saying he would “undoubtedly miss the monarch’s wise counsel and support to his government, even when there was stiff opposition to his ambition in the buildup to the 2019 general election.”
He added that while the royal father may have “taken his bow after a very defining rule that brought so much development to Ijebu land and the country at large, his legacy of selfless service and love for the people would continue to serve as a guide to the generation coming behind.”
Alhaji Aliko Dangote also praised the late Awujale for his love for the people, regardless of their origin, describing him as “a man of influence and a leader who prioritised service to the people, describing his contribution to national development as invaluable and worthy of emulation.”
Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, who will serve as regent until a new Awujale is appointed, described Oba Adetona as “a truly remarkable monarch who made royalty a source of envy.” Kuku added, “Essentially, our Kabiyesi was a man of integrity, a man who spoke his mind, a man who had so much wisdom.
“He was devoted to education. In terms of poverty reduction, he really used his resources and throne to fight poverty in society and empower the people. He was a worthy ambassador of culture. He turned Ojude Oba into a global event and that has really impacted the economic fortune of Ijebu land.
“He was one man that could be trusted to defend the poor. He did not just love the people of Ijebu land, he loved the country and when the nation was in turmoil, he took the right step, he spoke his mind. We are missing him already.”
Similarly, Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, highlighted the deceased monarch’s “rare leadership qualities of pure love and service to humanity.”
He urged Nigerians to emulate Awujale’s “qualitative leadership qualities and devotion to engineering socio-economic and sociocultural development which were tailored towards building a better life for the people.”
Former Governor Gbenga Daniel also paid tribute to the late Awujale’s “forthright leadership,” describing him as “a fearless monarch who never shied from speaking truth to power.”
Daniel suggested that a fitting tribute to the late royal father, who reigned for 65 years, would be the actualization of the creation of a new state out of the old Ijebu Province, a long-cherished dream of the departed monarch.
Read Also: Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, buried in Ijebu Ode
Daniel said “I think it is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, you have a personality who can speak truth to power at any time and who can be described as fearless, abhors people telling lies and straight forward to a fault.
“Kabiyesi is not anyone who used to be diplomatic. He says it as it is. In the course of that, he garnered some detractors but at the end of the day, people said that he had virtually won all the battles that life threw at him. He was indeed a forthright personality.”
He added that given the strong wish of the royal father to get a new state created out of the old Ijebu Province, all the powers that be must rally to ensure that the dream of a new state became a reality, to immortalise the revered traditional ruler.
“The entire community is good about the creation of the state. The argument has been that of the 24 provinces created in 1924, only Ijebu Province has not been made a state and on that account alone, everyone believes that this error needs to be corrected.
“We know that particularly in a democratic dispensation, it is not that easy to create a state, it involves lots of arguments, lobbying and all that.
“But we feel very strongly that once the course is just, I am hoping that sooner or later, especially now that Kabiyesi is no more, the power that be will seize this opportunity to honour and immortalise him with the state creation,” he said.
