Eminent Nigerians have paid their last respect to the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who was buried according to Islamic rites amid tight security in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The Janazah prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo.
The monarch, who passed on Sunday, 13th July 2025, was laid to rest in a tomb he had personally prepared beside his parents at the mausoleum within his Ogbagba residential court in Igbeba, Ijebu Ode.
Dignitaries who attended the burial included Nigeria’s former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and the host governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Also present was the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who led a federal government delegation that included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Other attendees were former Ogun State Governors, Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Ishola; members of the state and National Assembly; political stalwarts; and Ogun State Executive Council members.
Traditionalists, who gathered at the venue to perform customary burial rites, were prevented from doing so as security operatives, including Nigerian Army personnel, escorted them away.
The action may be connected to the enforcement of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021, which permits traditional rulers to be buried according to their religious beliefs rather than customary rites.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, confirmed that the burial would follow Islamic rites, in line with the amended Ogun State Chieftaincy Law 2021.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, born on 10th May 1934 into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijebuland, was installed as king on 2nd April 1960, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs.
PIAK