The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has revealed its intention to take legal action against the Ogun State Government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, over what it calls a breach of traditional burial protocols.
In a statement co-signed by ICIR President Fayemi Fakayode, Public Relations Officer Ayanladun Fajemisin, and Legal Counsel Ifasola Opeodu, the council condemned the decision to inter Oba Adetona using Islamic rites, despite a court ruling mandating traditional ceremonies for Yoruba monarchs.
Oba Adetona died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 and was buried the same day according to Islamic customs.
The ICIR labeled the burial an “anomaly” and a “departure” from longstanding Yoruba tradition. The council cited a binding legal ruling from the monarch’s lifetime, which affirmed that traditional rites must be observed in accordance with Part 8, Section 55, Subsection II of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.
The organization praised the Osugbo Confraternity of Ijebu-Ode for maintaining composure during the events and sharply criticized the actions of Islamic clerics, particularly the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode, for what it described as unlawful conduct.
“This issue extends beyond a burial, it strikes at the heart of Yoruba cultural identity and heritage, which is now under threat from actions that aim to erode our traditions,” the statement read.
The ICIR also accused state officials, security personnel, and members of the late monarch’s family of showing disregard for traditional authority and customs.
The council affirmed that it would pursue all legal avenues to prevent similar occurrences in the future, calling on all Yoruba people to stand in defense of the Obaship institution and safeguard their cultural heritage.
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