President Bola Tinubu on Sunday evening mourned the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors at the ripe age of 91.
The President, in a tribute described the first class traditional ruler as an honest arbiter, confidante and reliable leader without any guile.
According to him, the foremost monarch who spent over 65 years on the Awujale stool was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class and an unmistakable sense of duty.
President Tinubu in the tribute stated, inter alia: “One of Nigeria’s most outstanding, foremost, and revered traditional rulers, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has joined his ancestors after over 65 remarkable years on the throne.
“I received the news of this transition Saturday night with double pain in my heart as it coincided with the passing of my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. The demise of Oba Adetona has left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.
“During his remarkable reign that witnessed tremendous progress and development in Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebuland, Oba Adetona provided uncompromising leadership to his people.
“In his over six decades on the throne, ascending at 26, Oba Adetona used his role as a foremost ruler to advance the cause of progress and national unity. In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason.
“I enjoyed an excellent personal relationship with Kabiyesi. I will forever cherish our time together.
“He was an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering.
“Oba Adetona’s sterling qualities of service, philanthropy, investment in education, and research through the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, will be enduring monuments in his memory.
“As the nation mourns Oba Adetona’s passing, I extend my condolences to the family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government, the people of Ogun State, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service.”
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who announced the passing of Oba Adetona, in a statement on Sunday, Abiodun stressed that Adetona left behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
Throughout his reign, Abiodun stated that Adetona was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development, noting that his dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
But the death of Adetona draws the curtain on one of the longest and most consequential reigns in Nigerian traditional history. His death brings to an end a royal stewardship that spanned over six decades from his coronation on April 2, 1960, until his final breath.
Born on May 10, 1934, into the Anikinaiya royal house of Ijebu-Ode, Sikiru Adetona ascended the throne at just 26 years old. His appointment was unexpected at the time; he had been studying accountancy in the United Kingdom when he was recalled to assume the sacred role of custodian of Ijebu tradition.
His coronation came only months before Nigeria itself gained independence, making his reign almost synonymous with the country’s modern journey.
Over the years, Oba Adetona distinguished himself not merely as a traditional monarch, but as a stabilising force and an influential elder statesman. His fearlessness in speaking truth to power was legendary.
In 1981, he was briefly suspended by Governor Olabisi Onabanjo of Ogun State for criticising political excesses, only to be reinstated after the military coup in 1983. This marked him out as a monarch who did not cower before state authority but saw himself as a servant of the people first.
Adetona elevated the Ojude Oba festival, an annual gathering of Ijebu people into a national spectacle. Through his leadership, Ijebuland maintained one of the most robust traditional councils in Yorubaland.
Besides, he was deeply invested in education, serving as chancellor of universities and helping to found Crescent University in Abeokuta. He also published a widely read autobiography, Awujale, which chronicled his personal and political philosophy, offering readers an unfiltered view into palace life, Yoruba identity, and national politics.
Abiodun wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland. Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91 leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
“It is indeed double sadness that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors the same day that the former President, Muhammadu died in a London, the United Kingdom hospital. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland.
“Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
“Under his guidance, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development, establishing itself as a model of progress in Ogun State. His leadership not only enhanced the cultural heritage of Ijebuland with the Ojude Oba festival attaining international standards but also solidified its reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and tradition.”
Abiodun stressed that there was the need to celebrate the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to the country.
“His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to uphold the values he instilled in us during his illustrious reign,” the statement added.Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the passing of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Adetona, as a great loss to Nigeria, particularly the traditional institution.
He said the departure of Oba Adetona, who he described as one of the oldest traditional rulers in Nigeria, marked the end of an era in the country, especially in Ijebuland, where he ruled for 65 years.
Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the late Awujale’s service to the people of Ijebuland and Ogun State would remain his enduring legacy.
The governor described Oba Adetona as an icon, a hero and a respected monarch who served his subjects passionately and contributed to the political, economic and social development and growth of Ijebuland.
He commiserated with his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the deceased family and the entire people of Ijebuland and Ogun State over the passing of the paramount ruler.
He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I commiserate with my brother, Governor Dapo Abiodun; the people of Ijebuland and Ogun State; the traditional institution; and the deceased family, on the transition of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who joined his ancestors same day as the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
“The passing of Oba Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, is an end to a glorious era and remarkable reign of an outstanding traditional ruler in Ijebuland and Nigeria. His passage to the Great Beyond was a great loss to the people of Ijebu, and he will be greatly missed.
“Oba Sikiru Adetona made positive impacts during his lifetime. He contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of Ijebuland. He worked for the interest of the people during his lifetime, earning the respect of his subjects.
“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late Oba Sikiru Adetona and grant the royal family and the people of Ijebuland and Ogun State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta
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