Traditionalists Condemn Awujale’s Islamic Burial, Threaten Lawsuit

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has expressed deep displeasure over the burial rites of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, threatening to initiate legal action against the Ogun State Government and the monarch’s family for allegedly violating established Yoruba traditions.

The Council decried what it termed a serious departure from the customary burial protocols prescribed for traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

Recall that Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. His burial, conducted according to Islamic rites, has since sparked outrage among traditionalists and cultural custodians, who argue that the act undermines the cultural heritage and sacred responsibilities associated with the Obaship institution.

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Addressing a press conference in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the President of ICIR, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, condemned the development in strong terms.

He described the burial arrangement as a blatant contravention of existing laws and judicial pronouncements guiding the burial of Yoruba monarchs.

Dr. Fakayode recalled a court ruling delivered while the late Awujale was still alive, which affirmed that the burial of traditional rulers in Ogun State must conform to Yoruba customs, not foreign religious practices such as Islam or Christianity.

“The recent controversy surrounding the burial rites of the late Awujale of Ijebu-Ode is not just about the passing of a revered monarch; it is about safeguarding the cultural dignity and legal provisions that protect our traditions,” Dr. Fakayode stated.

“The Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, specifically Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section ii, clearly outlines the traditional processes for the burial of kings. The deviation witnessed in this case is therefore a direct violation of that law.”

Dr. Fakayode further commended the Osugbo Confraternity of Ijebu-Ode, the traditional custodians responsible for the final rites of the Awujale, for their calm and restraint despite being denied the opportunity to perform their age-long duties.

“Their patience in the face of such cultural provocation is commendable and aligns with the wisdom of Òrúnmìlà’s teachings. It is a testament to the strength and depth of character, akin to the Yoruba adage, ‘Yíyọ́ ẹkùn; tojo kọ́’—the lion’s gentleness should not be mistaken for weakness,” he remarked.

The ICIR President expressed concern that the disregard for tradition displayed during Oba Adetona’s burial is symptomatic of a broader agenda aimed at eroding Yoruba cultural values.

“This is not merely about the burial of a king; it is a calculated attempt to dismantle our traditions and cultural identity, spearheaded by elements whose forebears sought to undermine us through naturalisation and whose descendants now pursue those same divisive goals.”

He urged the sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Yoruba nation to rise in defence of their heritage.

“We must not allow the institution of Obaship—an institution that symbolises our sacred traditions—to be desecrated. Cultural diversity is our strength, and respect for our traditions is non-negotiable.”

Dr. Fakayode also condemned the reported roles played by the late monarch’s family, government officials, and security operatives in preventing the Osugbo Confraternity from fulfilling their traditional obligations.

“We view this as an unacceptable show of disrespect and a dangerous precedence that must be legally addressed. To prevent a recurrence, we will be taking necessary legal actions to enforce respect for our cultural and legal institutions.”

Speaking at the same event, the ICIR’s legal counsel, Barrister Opeodu, reiterated the Council’s readiness to seek legal redress. He described the actions of the Ogun State Government, the late Oba’s family, and security agencies as an infringement on the rights of traditional religion practitioners and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law.

“The family’s collaboration with government authorities and Islamic clerics, especially under the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode, directly violated the state’s Chieftaincy Law. Their actions represent an assault on the lawful rights of traditionalists and are symptomatic of a deeper state of lawlessness,” Barrister Opeodu declared.

He further asserted, “While the traditional institution is firmly rooted in legal frameworks that govern the installation and burial of Obas and chiefs, the Islamic clerics’ intervention in this process was both illegal and a gross display of contempt for the law. The traditional institution, being a lawful establishment, will pursue appropriate legal remedies to correct this anomaly.”

The ICIR’s position has rekindled national debate on the sanctity of cultural practices and the continuous tension between religious influences and traditional governance in Nigeria. The Council’s threat of legal action signals what may become a defining case in the protection of Yoruba cultural heritage.