The Awujale of Ijebuland and paramount ruler of the Ijebu people, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been buried on Monday at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The highly respected monarch, who died at the age of 91, was interred according to Islamic rites in a solemn, dignified ceremony attended by royal family members, Ijebu high chiefs, and prominent dignitaries from across the country.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Gboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Tunji Bosun led the federal government delegation to the burial ceremony.
Other dignitaries at the burial of the longest reign monarch in Nigeria are former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Ambassador of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji-Ishola, Senators Gbenga Daniel, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Adegbenga Kaka, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was represented by his wife; Olufunso, 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as well as representatives of League of Imams and Alfas in South West, Edo and Delta States.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960 at the age of 26, was widely revered for his principled leadership, deep respect for tradition, and his efforts to modernise the Ijebu nation while preserving its cultural heritage.
His reign of 64 years made him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
There was a mild drama at the venue, as traditionalists evaded the burial site, just before religious rite was performed
It would be recalled that a controversial burial rites law was signed by the Ogun State government, which gives powers for monarchs to be buried according to their religious beliefs, a breakaway from the norms, culture and traditions once practiced
Specifically, Section 55 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 provides a framework for the preservation and regulation of traditional burial rites for traditional rulers.
While subsection (ii) of the section acknowledges the right of a traditional ruler to be buried in accordance with customary practices, subsections (iii) to (v) establish procedural safeguards for the application of such customs.
The traditionalists who came in their numbers were however prevented by security operatives from the Nigeria Army, who marched them to the gate.
Speaking after the interment of the late monarch, Governor Abiodun extolled the virtues of Adetona, describing him as a great philanthropist, who can do anything for his friends.
The governor, who described the late monarch as his father, said the monarch stood by him when he had accident in London.
He also said that late Oba Adetona stood by him in the open and in secret in his journey to the Government House in 2019.
