* His wish for Islamic burial fulfilled despite interference from traditionalists
The remains of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were laid to rest on Monday, July 14, 2025, at his private residence, Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, in accordance to Islamic rites, fulfilling his personal wish despite interference from traditional worshippers.
Oba Adetona who returned to Allah on Sunday, July 13 at the age of 91, was buried beside his parents in a mausoleum he had constructed during his lifetime.
Muslim News gathered that the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo led thousands of sympathisers and top dignitaries in Janazah (funeral prayer) for the late monarch, who was the President of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC).
The burial, conducted around 6pm (Nigerian time), witnessed attempts by traditionalists to perform customary rites, but they were turned away by security personnel, including army officers, to allow the Muslims bury the monarch in accordance to Islamic tradition.
Oba Sikiru Adetona, widely regarded as a progressive and reform-minded traditional ruler, left behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
He didn’t only wish to be buried in accordance to Islamic tradition, he fought against mutilation of dead monarch’s body. He later pushed a legislation in that regard and despite stiff resistance from the traditional worshippers, the assembly passed the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021 bill and was later signed by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Several high-profile dignitaries attended the funeral rites to pay their last respects. These included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and billionaire industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Muslim News Nigeria joins Nigerians to mourn Muhammadu Buhari, Oba Sikiru Adetona
O Allah, raise their ranks among those who are guided, and take care of those they left behind. Forgive us and them, expand their graves, illuminate it for them and grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus. pic.twitter.com/QW1KN60bBy
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) July 14, 2025
A Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Prince Gboyega Oyetola, was also in attendance.
Oba Adetona’s death elicited tributes from prominent Islamic and socio-religious bodies across the country.
Adetona, committed servant of Allah: Sultan
In a statement issued by his media team, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, described the late monarch as a revered traditional ruler and a committed servant of Allah.
“His leadership has been pivotal not only in his local community but also across the broader Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. His wisdom and guidance will be sorely missed,” the Sultan said.
The Sultan extended his condolences to the Ogun State Government, the Ogun Muslim Council, the Awujale-in-Council, and the people of Ijebuland, praying Allah to grant the monarch eternal peace in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
MUSWEN describes him as a reformer monarch
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) also issued a heartfelt condolence message, describing Oba Adetona as a reformer monarch who successfully balanced Yoruba cultural heritage with Islamic values.
According to MUSWEN President Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and Executive Secretary Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, “He was a custodian of Yoruba culture who understood the importance of balancing tradition with faith. His legacy will continue to guide us in promoting harmony between cultural heritage and religious principles.”
They further praised his role in ensuring the passage of laws protecting the religious burial rights of monarchs and his appointment as the leader of Muslim Obas in Yorubaland in 2024.
Ogun Muslim Council (OMC) pays Tribute
The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), where Oba Adetona served as President-General, paid glowing tributes to the late monarch, recalling his pivotal role in religious and social development.
“As a practising Muslim till death, he championed interfaith harmony, hosted the best-organised National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in 1997, and transformed Ijebuland through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and religious unity,” the statement signed by OMC Secretary-General, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, read.
The Council acknowledged the late king’s legacy as one of vision, integrity, and devotion to service, noting that his passing posed the challenge of finding a worthy successor to build on the foundation he laid.
According to him, “The late monarch’s contributions to the development of Ijebuland and the nation earned him the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). This prestigious presidential award is a testament to his selfless service and dedication to the nation as the longest serving traditional ruler in the country and one of the most respected monarchs in all of Africa.”
Alhaji Akintunde noted that the passing of Oba Adetona poses a challenge of finding a worthy successor who can build on the foundation laid by the late monarch. The Council prays for guidance and wisdom for Ijebuland as it navigates this transition.
Oba Adetona’s reign was transformative, says TMC
The Muslim Congress (TMC) also joined in mourning Oba Adetona, describing him as one of Nigeria’s greatest traditional rulers whose 65-year reign was transformative.
In a statement signed by its Amir, Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Taiwo Bangbala, TMC noted his contributions to governance, education, and national development.
The group highlighted his establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University and praised his advocacy for constitutional roles for traditional rulers.
Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for over six decades, was widely respected as one of the longest-reigning and most intellectually influential monarchs in Nigeria and Africa. His commitment to cultural preservation, religious tolerance, and community advancement made him a unifying symbol and a towering figure in Nigerian traditional leadership.
He made significant contribution to his community: NAHCON chair
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON also commiserates with the people of Ijebuland over the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, saying that he would be remembered as a dedicated Chairman of Ogun State Muslim Community who gave his all for the wellbeing of his subjects.
In a statement signed by its Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, NAHCON said, “As one of the longest monarchs on the throne after a 65-year reign, Oba Adetona made significant contributions to the community where everyone immensely benefited.
“We in NAHCON express sincere condolences to his immediate family and community. We extend same condolences to the entire nation on this great loss,” he added.
Dignitaries at the Janazah
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