Soldiers, on Monday, prevented traditionalists, believed to be members of the Osugbo cult, from participating in the Muslim funeral ceremony of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The unexpected appearance of the cult members created some tension, prompting nearby individuals to raise their voices at them. Soldiers quickly intervened and escorted the traditionalists away from the monarch’s residence.

The burial of the monarch took place around 6 pm on Monday at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, following Islamic customs.

It should be noted that traditionalists in Ogun State had earlier opposed the Oba and Chiefs Law of 2021, which allows traditional rulers to be buried based on their religious beliefs.

They argued that such a law undermines cultural heritage, insisting that royal fathers should follow traditional burial practices.

The Osugbo group arrived on Monday to attempt taking control of the burial process, particularly since the late monarch was reportedly influential in the passage of the new burial law.

However, the soldiers prevented them from interfering with the funeral.

Oba Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

He was buried beside his father and mother in what seems to be a family mausoleum.

Before the interment, Islamic prayers were offered by Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland.

The funeral was attended by dignitaries including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Ogun House of Assembly Speaker Oluwadaisi Elemide, ex-governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, and Senator Adegbenga Kaka.

Other notable figures present included Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Senator Solomon Adeola of Ogun West, and Senator Salisu Shuaib of Ogun Central, among others.

Speaking at the burial, Governor Abiodun said the reign of Oba Adetona stood out not just for its length, but for his great wisdom, far-reaching influence, generosity, selflessness, progress, and the peace he maintained.

He stated that the late king was not only a symbol of pride to Ijebu land but also a proud Nigerian who spent 65 years of his reign in service to the people.

The governor added that the monarch’s brilliance was evident early in his life, as shown by his appointment as a minister and a member of the Western Region’s executive council.

He said Kabiyesi was a bundle of intellect, principled, forthright, philosophical, a social reformer, a transparent and incorruptible ruler with fair judgement and strong dedication to Nigeria.

Abiodun noted that he would deeply miss the monarch’s guidance and support, especially remembering his loyalty during the challenges leading up to the 2019 elections.

He added that though Oba Adetona had completed a historic reign marked by development in Ijebu and beyond, his example of service and love for the people would inspire generations to come.

Dangote praised the late monarch for his concern for the well-being of all people, regardless of their origin.

He described Oba Adetona as a man of impact and a leader who put the people first, saying his contributions to national development were significant and worthy of imitation.

Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, told journalists that Oba Adetona was a truly outstanding king who brought prestige to traditional leadership.

Kuku, who will serve as regent until a new Awujale is named, said essentially, our Kabiyesi was a man of integrity, a man who spoke his mind, a man who had so much wisdom.

He highlighted the king’s passion for education, saying he used both his resources and position to fight poverty and empower his people.

He also praised the monarch’s role in promoting culture, noting that he transformed Ojude Oba into a global celebration that has boosted Ijebu’s economy. He added that the king stood firmly with the less privileged.

He did not just love the people of Ijebu land, he loved the country and when the nation was in turmoil, he took the right step, he spoke his mind. We are missing him already.

Ladi Adebutu, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun, praised the monarch’s exceptional leadership defined by love and service to others.

Adebutu encouraged Nigerians to embrace the king’s approach to leadership and commitment to societal and cultural growth that aimed to improve lives.

Gbenga Daniel applauded Oba Adetona’s courageous leadership, calling him a bold monarch who consistently told leaders the truth.

Daniel also suggested that one of the most fitting tributes to the king’s 65-year reign would be the realisation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province, something the monarch long envisioned.

Daniel said I think it is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, you have a personality who can speak truth to power at any time and who can be described as fearless, abhors people telling lies and straight forward to a fault.

He noted that Kabiyesi was never diplomatic and always spoke frankly, even though this drew critics. In the end, he managed to overcome many of the life’s challenges thrown his way.

He added that since the late monarch strongly supported the creation of a new state from Ijebu Province, it was important for the government to take action and make that vision a reality in his honour.

The entire community is good about the creation of the state. The argument has been that of the 24 provinces created in 1924, only Ijebu Province has not been made a state and on that account alone, everyone believes that this error needs to be corrected.

We know that particularly in a democratic dispensation, it is not that easy to create a state, it involves lots of arguments, lobbying and all that.

But we feel very strongly that once the course is just, I am hoping that sooner or later, especially now that Kabiyesi is no more, the power that be will seize this opportunity to honour and immortalise him with the state creation, he said.

Segun Osoba paid tribute to Oba Adetona’s historic reign, describing him as a wise king who worked hard for the advancement of Ijebu and Nigeria as a whole.

Osoba remarked that the late monarch would be greatly missed for his honest and straightforward leadership.

The Lagos State Advocacy Team of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) today officially flagged on its state-wide advocacy campaign aimed at revitalizing efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The flag-on ceremony, themed “Revitalization of the Out-of-School Children’s Initiative,” was held at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, the Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, who served as Royal Host and Special Guest of Honour. In his address, the Chairman of the Lagos State Advocacy Team emphasized that the campaign is not just a government programme, but a national movement to restore dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for every Nigerian child currently excluded from formal education. The Commission commended His Royal Majesty for his continued contributions to education in Lagos State, including scholarship schemes, infrastructure support, menstrual hygiene initiatives, and the establishment of the Centre for Lagos Studies at Lagos State University. The campaign aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and supports the six strategic education priorities of the Federal Ministry of Education under Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON. Lagos is one of eight pioneering states championing this renewed national effort. The Lagos State campaign will cover all 245 wards across the state’s three senatorial districts, engaging traditional leaders, religious institutions, market groups, youth associations, and civil society organizations. A total of 1,225 local volunteers will be selected to champion the Commission’s flagship National Adopt an Out-of-School Child (N-OOSC) program at the grassroots level.

Key focus areas of the advocacy include: Ending street begging and child exploitation; Ensuring child identity through birth registration; Promoting safe, inclusive, and dignified learning spaces; Eradicating abuse disguised as discipline; Empowering communities to own the educational future of their children. “This campaign is not against religion or tradition,” the Advocacy Team reiterated. “It is about integration, dignity, and giving every child a fair chance.” The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—government, traditional institutions, faith leaders, educators, and the public—to unite in ensuring that no child is left behind.

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the public holiday on Monday on behalf of the Federal Government, after receiving approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

More to come…