Why Awujale’s Burial Rights Bill For Traditional Rulers Failed In Daniel’s Govt

A former council chairman in Ogun State and political advocate, Wale Adedayo, has explained why a previous attempt to legislate burial rights for traditional rulers failed during the administration of former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

Reacting to the debate surrounding the recent interment of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Adedayo, in a social media post on Sunday, July 20, said the backlash against the nature of the monarch’s burial overlooked a crucial legal development in Ogun State.

According to him, many of those criticising the burial failed to address the central issue—the existence of a State Law which now prescribes how a deceased Oba must be buried.

He noted that the Law passed through the Ogun State House of Assembly, suggesting that lawmakers representing Ijebu constituencies—core Yorubas—either failed to consult their constituents or deliberately ignored public sentiment before supporting the Bill.

Adedayo pointed out that in contrast, during Otunba Daniel’s tenure, a similar proposal allegedly pushed by the late Awujale “from under the table” was rejected on the floor of the House.

“The Bill was defeated. It failed to sail through. Maybe those lawmakers at the time were Ijebus and Yorubas unlike today,” he wrote.

Daniel is the current Senator representing Ogun East.

Adedayo argued that while he personally disagreed with the current Law, the late monarch and his family were only complying with the provisions as enacted, warning that public outrage should be redirected to the political process that birthed the legislation.

“Every tradition is governed by Law today. That’s why those aggrieved in Obaship disputes don’t run to the Oshugbo. They head for the courts,” he said.

He recalled efforts made during his brief stint as council chairman to recognise Yoruba traditions within the state, including officially marking August 20 as Isese Day despite bureaucratic pushback.

Adedayo criticised traditionalists for not engaging governance processes, accusing them of only performing loyalty rituals for politicians who often undermine their beliefs.

He also recounted a personal encounter with the Police in Ibadan, Oyo State, where officers harassed him over the presence of an Ifa object in his car, alleging religious bias against traditional faiths.

He said Isese adherents must stop being timid and assert their constitutional rights.

On the Awujale’s burial, he urged traditionalists to “allow sleeping dogs to lie,” saying the Law can be repealed by lawmakers or a Governor committed to justice.

“Wait for 2027 and elect persons who will represent you properly,” he added.