The Ogun State Government has constituted a State Burial Committee to coordinate official activities in honour of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and was laid to rest the following day.
In a statement released by Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the State Government, the committee is tasked with planning and overseeing a state-organised funeral to celebrate the monarch’s enduring legacy and profound contributions to Ogun State and the nation.
Members of the Burial Committee
The composition of the committee reflects a blend of government officials, traditional representatives, and community leaders:
- Tokunbo Talabi – Secretary to the State Government (Chairman)
- Dapo Okunbanjo – Chief Economic Adviser & Commissioner for Finance
- Ganiyu Hamzat – Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs
- Kehinde Akinola – Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Protocol & Ceremonials
- Damilare Alebiosu – Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government
- Oba Lawrence Adebajo – Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, representing Ijebu Traditional Council
- Giwa Adesanya Yusuf – Representative of the Council of Otunbas
- Oluwaranti Lekan-Osifeso – Representative of the Council of Chiefs
- Adegboyega Adesoye – Representative of Balogun (Eleshins)
- Tunde Odulaja – Representative of the Heritage Group
- Kunle Ogunade – Representative of Regberegbe
- Rotimi Akinlesi – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs (Secretary)
Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting
At its first meeting held on Thursday, July 17, the committee affirmed its commitment to working closely with the family of the late monarch, who were present at the meeting, as well as other stakeholders, to ensure a smooth and dignified burial ceremony.
The committee also noted the anticipated attendance of President Bola Tinubu at the forthcoming events, further underscoring the national significance of the late monarch’s legacy.
Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for over six decades, was one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers and a revered figure across the country. His passing marks the end of an era for Ijebuland and traditional leadership in Nigeria.
