The remains of Awujale of Ijebuland and paramount ruler of the Ijebu people, Oba Sikiru Adetona, were buried at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Monday.

Oba Adetona, Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch, died at the age of 91 on Sunday.

He was installed as king on April 2, 1960.

The burial ceremony was attended by a federal government delegation led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

Also in attendance were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi; business magnate Aliko Dangote; and many others.

The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo, led the Janazah prayers for the late monarch.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the late king as a monarch like no other, who restructured the traditional institution.

Abiodun noted that the late Awujale was a father and a legend whose legacy extends beyond Ogun State.

He stressed that, while it was too early to discuss succession, the established procedures would be followed diligently to prevent any conflict.

“A vacuum has been created, and a big one for that matter. This man ruled for 65 years; in Ijebuland we don’t even know what it is to crown succession anymore, but we are very organised people and there’s a template in place, and I can assure you that the succession, although too early to discuss, will be rancour-free.

“All I can tell our Ijebu sons and daughters is to continue in the respect for Kabiyesi, to conduct themselves in a way that will make Kabiyesi proud,” Abiodun said.

Former Governor Olusegun Osoba described the late Awujale as a monarch with a sharp mind, who maintained his reputation until the very end.

“Baba lived a fulfilled life. He’s respected and loved. His reputation, not only in Ijebu but in Ogun State, remains intact to the end.

“He has a sharp faculty and brain because he spoke with the governor a few hours before he died. Today is a day of celebration for a great monarch,” he said.

Also speaking, Aliko Dangote said Awujale was an influential personality in his lifetime and that he had come to pay his last respects because of his personal relationship with him.

The Kano State Government has officially inaugurated a Local Organising Committee for the forthcoming National Summit on Harnessing the Creative Industry to Boost Nigeria’s GDP, marking a major step towards repositioning the creative economy as a driver of national development.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that the summit would serve as a robust platform for key stakeholders to explore innovative strategies, share knowledge, and forge partnerships aimed at elevating Nigeria’s creative industry to global prominence.

Waiya emphasised that the summit would spotlight Kano’s rich creative potential, showcase indigenous products, engage with international media platforms, and issue a communiqué expected to draw national and global attention to the sector.

“The summit represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to unlock the vast economic potential embedded in Nigeria’s creative sector,” Waiya stated. “It promises to be a rallying point for promoting our cultural heritage, empowering artisans, and tapping into the creative ingenuity of our people for sustainable economic growth.”

The commissioner praised the Kannywood Foundation for its visionary initiative in proposing the summit, describing it as a laudable effort that aligns perfectly with the State’s developmental agenda.

Waiya further acknowledged the unwavering support of the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, whom he described as a leader with foresight. He noted that the governor regards the summit as a rare opportunity to empower creative talents in Kano and beyond.

According to him, “The creative sector holds immense potential for job creation, wealth generation, and GDP growth. By harnessing our cultural assets and innovation-driven talents, we can open new economic frontiers for our youth and entrepreneurs.”

The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, includes Commissioner for Religious Affairs Sheikh Ahmed Tijjani Auwalu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji; representatives from the Kannywood Foundation; Executive Secretary of the History and Culture Bureau; Managing Director of the Kano State Tourism Management Board; Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board; representative of the Ministry for Local Government; Special Adviser on ICT; President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria; representative of the Producers Association; representative of the Tailors and Fashion Amalgamated Association; and representative of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

Other members include a representative of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Malam Ibrahim Ado Kurawa; Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu; Hajiya Nabila Ibrahim; representative of the Kano Emirate Council; Special Adviser on Internal Revenue; Representative of the Kano Internal Revenue Service; and Dr Ahmad M. Sarari.

Secretariat members comprise a representative of the Cabinet Office; representative of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs; and Director of Internal Affairs, among others.

The Nigerian government has announced the burial arrangements for the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

President Bola Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the state burial, in collaboration with the Katsina State government and the family of the former president.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, adding that the committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Other members include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Defence; Minister of Information and National Orientation; Minister of Works; Minister of Interior; Minister of the FCT; Minister of Housing and Urban Development; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy; National Security Adviser; and the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.

Also on the committee are the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters; Inspector-General of Police; Director-General of the Department of State Services; and the Chief of Defence Staff.

He stated that the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, will serve as the Secretary to the committee.

The minister further noted that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to proceed to Katsina to participate in the full schedule of burial rites and remain for the third-day prayers in Daura on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

“As we prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, the Federal Government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and reflection for the repose of the soul of our former leader,” he added.