Ogun State Sets Up Burial Planning Committee for Late Awujale of Ijebuland

The Ogun State Government has formally established a State Burial Planning Committee to oversee the funeral arrangements for the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and was interred the next day.

In an official announcement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, it was revealed that the committee is entrusted with the responsibility of organising and coordinating all state activities dedicated to honouring the revered monarch. The objective is to ensure that the late king receives a fitting and dignified burial that reflects his impactful contributions to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

Members Appointed to the Ogun State Burial Committee

The list of appointed committee members includes a blend of state officials, traditional leaders, and key representatives from Ijebuland:

1. Mr. Tokunbo Talabi – Secretary to the State Government – Chairman
2. Mr. Dapo Okunbanjo – Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance – Member
3. Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat – Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs – Member
4. Mrs. Kehinde Akinola – Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Protocol & Ceremonials – Member
5. Hon. Damilare Alebiosu – Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government – Member
6. Oba Lawrence Adebajo – Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, representing the Ijebu Traditional Council – Member
7. Otunba Giwa Adesanya Yusuf – Representative of the Council of Otunbas – Member
8. Chief Oluwaranti Lekan-Osifeso – Representative of the Council of Chiefs – Member
9. Otunba Adegboyega Adesoye – Representative of the Balogun (Eleshins) – Member
10. Chief Tunde Odulaja – Representative of the Heritage Group – Member
11. Otunba Kunle Ogunade – Representative of the Regberegbe – Member
12. Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi – Permanent Secretary, Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs – Secretary

Committee’s Inaugural Meeting and Engagement with Stakeholders

During its first official meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the committee expressed its commitment to work closely with the family of the late monarch, who were also present at the session. The goal is to develop and implement a series of well-structured and honourable programmes that truly celebrate the life and legacy of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Furthermore, the committee noted the significance of the event, especially with the anticipated presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This emphasizes the national importance of the late monarch’s contributions, requiring meticulous planning for both protocol and cultural observances.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the ceremonies not only reflect the stature of the late Awujale but also solidify the historical and cultural heritage of the Ijebu people within the broader Nigerian narrative.