Ifa Council to sue Ogun, Awujale family over monarch’s burial rites

Awujale

The International Council For Ifa Religion, on Saturday, threatened to sue the Ogun State Government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, for violating the legal and laid down traditional rites of burying a traditional ruler in the state.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by ICIR President, Fayemi Fakayode; its Public Relations Officer, Ayanladun Fajemisin and the Legal representative of the group, Ifasola Opeodu, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The PUNCH reports that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors, on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91, and was buried according to Islamic rites.

ICIR vowed to correct what they called an anomaly and a departure from the laid down traditional practice of the Yoruba tribe in giving the last respect and rites to the deceased king.

The council referred to the last judicial pronouncement over the matter when the late Awujale was alive, which upheld the burial of traditional rulers according to the customs and traditions of the Yoruba people as against that of foreign religions like Islam and Christianity.

ICIR said, “Following the recent controversy surrounding the burial rites of Awujale of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, we at the ICIR commend the Osugbo Confraternity of Ijebu-Ode for their exemplary restraint and patience in the face of adversity. That is infact a virtue that aligns with the noble teachings of Òrúnmìlà.

“The Islamic clergies as led by the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode violated the law of the land and as a result, demonstrated the lawlessness character and nature of their religion. Punch