Oba Sikiru Adetona, the late Awujale of Ijebuland.

The Ogun State Government has formally constituted a State Burial Committee for the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and was laid to rest the following day at the Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, at exactly 4:00 p.m.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, the committee has been tasked with planning and coordinating all official activities aimed at giving the revered monarch a befitting state burial in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

The committee, chaired by the SSG himself, comprises prominent state officials, traditional representatives, and key community stakeholders:

1. Tokunbo Talabi—Secretary to the State Government—Chairman

2. Dapo Okunbanjo—Chief Economic Adviser/Commissioner for Finance

3. Ganiyu Hamzat – Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs

4. Kehinde Akinola – Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Protocol & Ceremonials

5. Damilare Alebiosu – Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government

6. Oba Lawrence Adebajo—Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, representing Ijebu Traditional Council

7. Otunba Giwa Adesanya Yusuf – Representative of Council of Otunbas

8. Chief Oluwaranti Lekan-Osifeso – Representative of Council of Chiefs

9. Otunba Adegboyega Adesoye – Representative of Balogun (Eleshins)

10. Chief Tunde Odulaja – Representative of Heritage Group

11. Otunba Kunle Ogunade – Representative of Regberegbe

12. Rotimi Akinlesi—Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs—Secretary

At the committee’s inaugural meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025, members resolved to work closely with the family of the late Awujale, who were present at the meeting, and other key stakeholders to organise a successful line-up of events that reflect the stature and legacy of the revered monarch.

The burial ceremonies are expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including President Bola Tinubu, whose presence is anticipated during the official rites.

Meanwhile, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has commenced the selection process for a new Awujale, in accordance with the traditional succession system. The ruling house is constitutionally entitled to produce the next king, as tradition dictates.

Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs and a widely respected traditional ruler known for his advocacy for good governance and community development. His passing marks the end of an era in Ijebuland, with tributes pouring in from within and outside the country.