By Titilope Adaku
The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has vowed to take legal action against the Ogun State Government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, over what it described as a breach of traditional laws in the monarch’s burial.
Oba Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was buried according to Islamic rites.
However, the ICIR has condemned the burial, describing it as a clear violation of Yoruba customs and traditions which mandate that traditional rulers be laid to rest according to established cultural rites.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the President of the Council, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, alongside its legal counsel, Barrister Ifasola Opeodu, insisted that the burial was in conflict with the law.
Fakayode cited an earlier judicial ruling which, according to him, upheld the importance of observing Yoruba traditional rites for deceased monarchs, rather than following Christian or Islamic practices.
He also praised the Osugbo Confraternity—the group traditionally tasked with performing the final rites for the Awujale—for maintaining calm and discipline despite being sidelined during the burial process.
“The action of the State, by enforcing Islamic burial rites for Oba Adetona, contravened Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section II of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law,” he said.
“Following the controversy surrounding the burial of Oba Awujale, we commend the Osugbo Confraternity for their restraint and patience in the face of adversity. That is a virtue deeply rooted in the teachings of Òrúnmìlà.”
“This moment reminds us that the gentleness of a lion is not weakness, but wisdom and strength, as captured in the saying ‘Yíyọ́ ẹkùn; tojo kọ́’.”
He maintained that deviating from traditional burial rites undermines the cultural values that define the Yoruba identity.
“The burial clearly contravened the laws of the state,” Fakayode said. “Any action contrary to this law and the judgment it supports is a direct affront to our heritage.”
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