Ogun Govt Ready for Court Over Awujale’s Islamic Burial Amid Ifa Council Protest

The Ogun State Government says it is unperturbed by threats of legal action over the burial of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, which was conducted in line with Islamic rites.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sina Ogungbade (SAN), stated this on Monday in response to warnings from the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), which accused the government and the monarch’s family of breaching cultural burial traditions.

Oba Adetona, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was buried the following day according to his faith—a decision that sparked outrage among traditionalists.

The ICIR argued that the burial violated Part 8, Section 55(II) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, which it claims mandates traditional rites for kings. The group alleged that the Osugbo Confraternity, custodians of final rites, was blocked from performing its role, describing the act as a “threat to Yoruba heritage” and an infringement on indigenous religious rights.

ICIR President Dr. Fayemi Fakayode said, “This is not just about one king; it is about protecting the cultural identity of our people.” The group vowed to seek legal redress.

Responding, Ogungbade described their stance as “ignorant of the law,” stressing that both the Awujale and his family had the constitutional right to choose burial according to their beliefs.

“How can a man’s personal choice and that of his family, which is protected by law, be twisted as an attack on others’ religious freedom? Their claim is laughable,” he said, adding that the government is ready to meet them in court if they proceed.

Meanwhile, some traditional leaders, including Chief Rasaki Osimodi, accused the state of backing the family’s decision against cultural expectations.

Efforts to reach the Awujale’s family were unsuccessful, but a palace source dismissed the uproar as “much ado about nothing,” insisting that the burial followed legal provisions.