Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Passes On at 91 After 64-Year Reign

Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Passes On at 91 After 64-Year Reign

Ijebu Ode, Ogun State – July 13, 2025 — Nigeria has lost one of its most revered and enduring monarchs as the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, after an extraordinary 64-year reign on the throne of his forefathers.

Born on May 10, 1934, into the royal House of Anikinaiya, one of the ruling houses of the Awujale dynasty, Oba Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, shortly before Nigeria attained independence. His passing marks the end of one of the longest and most impactful reigns by any traditional ruler in modern African history.

The demise of the monarch came barely hours after the death of his lifelong friend and Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London after a prolonged illness. Their deaths on the same day have cast a solemn shadow across the nation and rekindled reflections on an era shaped by their distinct yet intersecting legacies.

A Monarch of Firsts and Greatness

Oba Sikiru Adetona was widely acknowledged as a trailblazer among Nigerian traditional rulers. A graduate of Accountancy from the United Kingdom, he brought a rare blend of intellectual prowess, modern administrative skill, and deep cultural rootedness to his traditional role. His voice often carried weight on national issues, making him a respected elder statesman beyond the confines of Ijebuland.

Throughout his reign, the Awujale was an advocate of good governance, traditional values, and Yoruba cultural renaissance. He maintained a principled stance on matters of integrity, fairness, and autonomy of traditional institutions, often speaking truth to power with rare courage and moral clarity.

Legacy of Development and Cultural Pride

Under Oba Adetona's leadership, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in education, infrastructure development, and cultural advancement. He was a key force behind the transformation of Ijebu Ode into one of Nigeria's most prominent urban and cultural centres. His reign also saw the establishment and growth of The Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) — a landmark institution aimed at grooming future public sector leaders.

He was a staunch supporter of the Ojude Oba Festival, which he modernised into a world-renowned annual celebration of Ijebu heritage that attracts global attention and boosts tourism and unity in the state.

A Voice of Conscience

Oba Adetona was never afraid to lend his voice to national discourse. Whether addressing military regimes or elected governments, he was consistent in his call for transparency, accountability, and justice. His interventions during critical periods in Nigeria’s democratic journey earned him admiration from across political divides and among civil society groups.

Despite his high office, he remained remarkably accessible to his people, engaging actively with both the elites and grassroots, and earning deep affection and loyalty from Ijebu sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.

National Mourning and Tributes

Tributes have poured in from across the country and beyond, with political leaders, traditional rulers, cultural associations, and ordinary Nigerians mourning the exit of a national icon.

Ogun State Governor, traditional councils, and pan-Yoruba organisations such as Afenifere have expressed their condolences, describing the monarch’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba race, the traditional institution, and the Nigerian nation.

A Royal Chapter Closes, A Legacy Endures

Oba Adetona’s transition not only ends a historic era in Ijebuland, but also opens a chapter of reflection and continuity for the royal family and the Ijebu people. His legacy of fearless leadership, cultural stewardship, and community development will remain a touchstone for traditional rulers and public figures across Nigeria.

As preparations begin for his funeral rites, the nation pauses to honour a king whose life was defined by purpose, dignity, and an unshakeable belief in the power of tradition to inspire transformation.

May his soul rest in peace.