The Ogun State Government has dismissed threats of legal action over the burial of the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, affirming that the monarch was laid to rest in line with his personal religious beliefs.
Speaking on Monday, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Sina Ogungbade (SAN), said the government remains unshaken by threats from the International Council for Ifa Religion, which has expressed displeasure over the perceived neglect of traditional rites during the monarch’s burial.
Ogungbade described any legal move against the burial process as “a sheer waste of time and resources,” arguing that it would be unreasonable to challenge the choice to honour the monarch’s religious faith at death.
“Oba Adetona was a devout Muslim and had, during his lifetime, made it clear how he wished to be buried,” Ogungbade said. “Respecting his religious choice was not only lawful but morally imperative.”
He, however, noted that while anyone has the right to seek redress through the courts, such action would not change the fact that the burial complied with constitutional provisions on religious freedom.
Oba Adetona, who reigned for over six decades, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. He was buried the following day, July 14, in accordance with Islamic rites, an aspect that has stirred controversy among traditional religion adherents.
