Upperhill News

The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been buried according to Islamic rites at his private residence at Igbeba area of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun state.

Awujale, the longest serving monarch in the history of Nigeria, joined his ancestors on Sunday at the age of 91.

However, there was a mild drama when traditionalists invaded the burial site in their numbers, hoping to perform the burial according to customs and traditions.

They were, however, barred by security operatives from the Nigeria Army stationed strategically at the venue.

Not long ago, a burial rites law  was signed by the Ogun State Government, which gives powers for monarchs to be buried according to their religious beliefs.

This is believed to be a breakaway from the culture and traditions.

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.

Recently, in a lecture delivered by Justice P.O. Akinside of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State, he said that traditional rulers are bound to submit to the customs and burial rites of the traditional institution.

In contrast, the Ogun State Government affirmed that Justice Akinside’s submission was his personal opinion which had nothing to do with any judicial pronouncement.