Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, was laid to rest at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Monday, 14 July 2025, according to Islamic rites. The Oba was 91 when he died.
However, some traditionalists who wanted to participate in the burial were driven away from the venue by security operatives. This occurred while Imams were preparing for prayers at the Ogbagba Court, Igbeba residence, in Ijebu-Ode.
According to an eyewitness, Adedire Adetona, the king’s first son, had instructed that traditionalists would not be allowed to attend the funeral, prompting soldiers to escort them away.
This sparked off a debate on social media early in the week on the late Oba Adetona on his position on an Oba’s religion and traditional worship.
The late Awujale explained this in his autbography, Kabiyesi, Alaiyeluwa Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II on pages 212 -213. It was published in 2010.
In his words: “In years past, when an Oba died, the Eketa Odi, his closest servant, was sacrificed…. The Odis were servants were slaves. When an Oba died, they took charge of the corpse; they vented their anger and bitterness on the carcass and mutilated the body. It became the custom.
“I thought deeply about this. Although this treatment of an Oba might have held in the past, I thought it was barbaric to retain it. It is people who create traditions. It is in the interest of the community that traditions that do not fit into the modern age should be jettisoned…. Tradition had to be dynamic.
“..If we want decent people in the position of Obas, we have to preserve that institution and make it decent and meaningful for good people to be part of it. It is not uncommon for some good people to run away from taking office when there is a vacancy because of their perceived views of some aspects as being highly offensive, particularly at the death of an Oba.
“I took the matter for open discussion to the Ijebu Traditional Council in 1980. On 28 May 1980, it was resolved that henceforth, Obas in Ijebuland should be buried according to their religious beliefs but without prejudice to the rights of any Chief, groups and associations that may be entitled to any customary gifts”.
Other dignitaries at the burial ceremony include the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Ki D Ultimate.
Oba Adetona, who reigned for more than six decades, was one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
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