“I Signed Burial Rights Bill for Traditional Rulers In Awujale’s Palace” — Gov Abiodun”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has revealed that he signed into law the landmark bill granting traditional rulers in the state the right to choose how they are buried—right inside the palace of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Speaking during the final rites and burial ceremony of the revered monarch at the Ogbagba Court in Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, the governor described the new law as a significant shift in preserving the dignity and wishes of traditional rulers. He said the legislation was championed with the support and counsel of Oba Adetona, who until his passing was one of Nigeria’s most respected monarchs.

“The bill sought to review the laws governing traditional councils and monarchs in the state. It was passed into law, and I signed that bill in Kabiyesi’s palace,” Governor Abiodun said. “This law now gives traditional rulers the freedom to be buried according to their wishes.”

The governor noted that the late Awujale, who reigned for 65 years after ascending the throne in 1960, was not only the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria but also one who left behind an indelible legacy of courage, education, and public service.

Describing Oba Adetona as “a monarch like no other,” Governor Abiodun praised the late ruler’s lifelong commitment to development, good governance, and education, especially his role in establishing the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies at the Olabisi Onabanjo University. The school has since evolved into a full-fledged campus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

“His life was a rich tapestry of impact in tradition, national discourse, philanthropy and social harmony. Baba was a phenomenon—intellectual, principled, forthright and courageous,” the governor said.

President Bola Tinubu, who conferred on the late monarch the prestigious national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), was acknowledged by Abiodun for recognising the Awujale’s contributions to national development.

The funeral was attended by prominent dignitaries including former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, business magnate Aliko Dangote, former Ogun governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, as well as ministers, traditional rulers and other eminent Nigerians.

Dangote, while paying tribute, described the Awujale’s 91-year life as “no mean achievement,” reflecting on the closeness he shared with the monarch. Osoba, on his part, said Oba Adetona remained vibrant and intellectually sharp till the very end.

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was finally laid to rest in accordance with his personal wishes—affirmed by the very law he helped inspire.

A development widely described as a desecration of the age-long culture and tradition that fortify the throne he just exited.