Nigeria has lost one of its most revered traditional rulers, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who passed away at the age of 91.
The announcement of his passing was made public on Sunday, July 13, 2025, just hours after the death of his longtime friend and former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. The double loss has plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the political, cultural, and religious spectrum.
A Monarch Like No Other
Oba Sikiru Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, at just 26 years old, making him one of the youngest and longest-reigning monarchs in Nigerian history. His 64-year reign was marked by progressive leadership, firm advocacy for Yoruba cultural preservation, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
He was a powerful and independent voice in national affairs, often engaging in constructive dialogue with successive governments. His influence spanned well beyond the Ijebu kingdom, earning him respect across Yorubaland and the wider Nigerian federation.
A Legacy of Courage and Modernization
The late monarch was widely celebrated for transforming the traditional institution of Ijebuland. He was instrumental in the development of Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities, contributing to infrastructure, education, and social reform.
In 2010, he established the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), making him the first traditional ruler in Nigeria to endow a university chair in governance and values. This move was part of his lifelong passion for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.
Outspoken and Principled
Oba Adetona was known for his fearless criticism of political impunity. He consistently called for fairness, constitutional order, and the rule of law. In his autobiography “Awujale: The Autobiography of Alaiyeluwa Oba S.K. Adetona, Ogbagba II,” published in 2010, he offered rare insights into Nigeria’s political history and the inner workings of traditional leadership.
His courage in speaking truth to power earned him admiration among citizens who saw him as a symbol of integrity.
Tributes and National Mourning
Leaders from across the country have expressed deep sorrow over his passing. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the late Awujale as “a pillar of traditional wisdom, a builder of modern Ijebuland, and a royal father whose voice shaped Nigeria’s moral compass.”
Cultural leaders, academics, business elites, and religious figures have also sent their condolences, highlighting his contributions to national development, peace, and inter-ethnic unity.
An End of an Era
Oba Sikiru Adetona’s passing marks the end of an era not only for Ijebuland but for Nigeria’s traditional leadership at large. As one of the few monarchs who reigned before Nigeria’s independence and lived through its turbulent post-independence years, his death is a poignant reminder of how far the country has come—and the values it must preserve.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Ogun State Government and the Ijebu Traditional Council in the coming days.
