15/07/2025
Yoruba King Who Legally Raised the Bar of Islamic Janazah Rites
This is a short write up written in honor of Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ọgbàgbà II, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland. In life and in death, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a trailblazer. Not only did he reign as one of Nigeria’s most revered monarchs, but he also left behind a historic Islamic legacy by institutionalizing the right of monarchs to be installed and buried based on their religious convictions, whether as Muslims, Christians or Traditionalists. This initiative is commendable and unprecedented!
In a bold and visionary move, Oba Adetona initiated and championed energetically a bill in 2020, which later became the Obas, Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Law of Ogun State 2021. A landmark provision in this law, especially Section 55 legalized the right of traditional rulers to be buried and installed according to their religious faith (Islam, Christianity, or otherwise), rather than being subjected to exclusively traditionalist rituals.
This legislative innovation was not just administrative—it was deeply spiritual. It signified a public affirmation of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah), granting Muslim kings the right to return to their Lord in accordance with Shari'ah-compliant Janazah rites, without interference from syncretic customs or idolatrous rites that contradict Islam.
Despite resistance from some traditionalist groups, the law passed in January 2022 under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration. It prohibited harmful and un-Islamic practices such as body mutilation, cannibalistic rites, and unapproved traditional sacrifices. Oba Adetona’s effort was widely hailed as a victory for religious freedom and a reformation of outdated customary practices.
On July 14, 2025, this beautiful law was fully implemented during Oba Adetona’s own burial, marking a historic first. His body was prepared and interred in line with Islamic rites, led by the Chief Imam of Ijebu Ode. The janazah prayer was conducted at his mausoleum in Ogbagba Court, without interference from traditionalist factions, thanks to the legal clarity and state protection he ensured before his death. Security agents and government authorities enforced the law, respecting his choice as a Muslim king who lived and died upon Tawheed. Other Muslim kings should emulate this proud legacy. Islam goes beyond noisemaking and empty rhetoric!
Oba Adetona’s legacy is now immortalized as the first Yoruba king to be buried officially under Islamic rites backed by state law. He raised the bar for Muslim monarchs across Nigeria and Africa—demonstrating that Islamic integrity and royal heritage are not mutually exclusive. His burial became a dawah event in itself, showcasing the beauty, dignity, and simplicity of Islamic funeral rites.
Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona was not just a king—he was a silent reformer, a believer, and a courageous custodian of Islamic identity. By pushing for legal reforms that protect the religious convictions of monarchs, he set an example for others to follow. His janazah was not just a burial—it was a statement of Tawheed, a fulfillment of prophetic instruction, and a clear break from idolatrous remnants of the past. In life, he ruled with wisdom. In death, he submitted with ikhlas.
Our noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, you will be resurrected on the way you died.” Hadith (Muslim).
May Allah forgive him, expand his grave, and grant him Al-Firdaus for his pathfinding legacy. Ameen.
Lukman Abdurraheem
