Awujale: Soldiers prevent traditionalists from attending Oba’s Muslim funeral

Soldiers on Monday banned traditionalists thought to be members of the Osugbo cult from attending the Muslim funeral of the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The appearance of cult members at the funeral raised some concerns, but people around began shouting at them, while troops seized control of the situation and led the traditionalists out of the royal father’s home.

The monarch’s bones were later interred in his Ijebu Ode private house at 6 p.m. on Monday, according to Islamic tradition.

Remember that traditionalists in the state had opposed the Oba and Chiefs Law of 2021, which stated that traditional rulers could be buried based on their religious beliefs.

Traditionalists protested the passage of the law, claiming that in order to preserve tradition, royal fathers must be buried in accordance with established custom.

The Osugbo cult member arrived on Monday to see if he could take over the late monarch’s funeral, who was reportedly helpful in amending the state’s laws.

However, soldiers prevented them from disrupting the funeral.

Oba Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

He was buried alongside 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 Ijebu land’s Chief Imam, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo.

READ ALSO:

• I’m ‘disappointed but not done’ with Putin, Trump tells BBC
• Gaza father outraged after Israeli strike kills son searching for water
• Succession move begins as Awujale is buried in Ijebu-Ode (photos)

Dignitaries at the burial included the immediate past Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); Governor Dapo Abiodun; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Oluwadaisi Elemide; former governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; and Senator Adegbenga Kaka.

The Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; Senator Solomon Adeola, representing the Ogun West senatorial district; and his Ogun Central counterpart, Senator Salisu Shuaib, were also in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Abiodun said, “The reign of Oba Adetona was not only marked by longevity but also by his towering wisdom, deep influence, enduring legacy of generosity, selflessness, progress and uncommon peace.”

Abiodun said the brilliance of the late royal father was recognised so early when he was appointed as a minister and a member of the Western Region executive council.

He mentioned, “Kabiyesi was 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.”

Abiodun stated that he would undoubtedly miss the monarch’s wise counsel and support for his government, even when there was stiff opposition to his ambition in the buildup to the 2019 general election.

He stated that, while the royal father may have taken his bow following a defining rule that brought significant growth to Ijebu land and the kingdom as a whole, his legacy of selfless devotion and love for the people would continue to serve as guidance to future generations.

Dangote praised the late Awujale for his love for all people, regardless of where they lived in the country.

He praised the late monarch as a powerful figure and a leader who emphasised public service, praising his contribution to national progress as invaluable and admirable.

READ ALSO:

• US threatens Nigerians with permanent travel ban, deportation over visa overstay
• Obi will contest presidency even without coalition – Yunusa Tanko
• Buhari saved Nigeria from P&ID, Mambila trouble, says AGF Fagbemi

Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, told media at the event that Oba Adetona was a really great monarch who made royalty an object of envy.

Kuku, who will assume the role of reagent until the new Awujale is appointed, 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, the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, praised the late monarch’s exceptional leadership traits of genuine love and service to humanity.

Adebutu stated that Nigerians must emulate Awujale’s qualitative leadership characteristics as well as his dedication to engineering socioeconomic and sociocultural development aimed at improving people’s lives.

Daniel praised the late Awujale’s frank leadership, describing him as a courageous monarch who never hesitated to tell the truth to authority.

Daniel further noted that one of the finest ways to honour the late royal father, who reigned for 65 years, was to make the establishment of a new state out of the old Ijebu Province a reality, as it was one of the late monarch’s long-held aspirations.

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 is straightforward 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 becomes 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 powers that be will seize this opportunity to honour and immortalise him with the state creation,” he said.

Osoba praised Oba Adetona’s famous reign, praising him as a wise king who worked tirelessly to advance not only Ijebu land but the entire country.

Osoba stated that the late Oba Adetona would be much missed for his straightforward and true leadership.

Awujale: Soldiers prevent traditionalists from attending Oba’s Muslim funeral