Nigeria has lost one of its most revered and longest-serving traditional rulers as Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, passed away at the age of 91. His death occurred on Sunday, just hours after the passing of his longtime friend and former President, Muhammadu Buhari, was announced, marking a solemn day of national mourning.
Oba Adetona ascended the throne of his forefathers on April 2, 1960, shortly before Nigeria gained independence. For over 64 years, he ruled Ijebuland with wisdom, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to peace and progress, making him not only a prominent royal figure but also a highly respected elder statesman in Nigeria’s traditional and political landscape.
Born in 1934, Oba Adetona was educated both in Nigeria and abroad, studying accountancy in the United Kingdom before destiny called him back home to assume the revered Awujale title. His reign saw the transformation of Ijebuland into a model of social development, education, and cultural pride. He became a symbol of stability, known for his courage, outspoken nature, and deep concern for justice and good governance.
Throughout his life, Oba Adetona was known to speak truth to power, regardless of political affiliations. He maintained close relationships with past Nigerian leaders but never hesitated to criticize government actions he deemed detrimental to the people. His friendship with Muhammadu Buhari, who also passed away on Sunday, was marked by mutual respect and shared visions for Nigeria’s future.
Under his leadership, the Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Eradication (IDBPE) was established, empowering thousands of youths and women across Ogun State. His legacy also includes the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, an initiative he personally funded to promote accountability and leadership ethics in Nigeria.
His death leaves a profound vacuum in Ijebuland, Ogun State, and across the nation. Tributes have begun pouring in from traditional institutions, political leaders, and ordinary Nigerians who admired his statesmanship and integrity.
The Ogun State Government is expected to announce official mourning plans and funeral arrangements in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Ijebu people are observing traditional rites in honor of their late monarch.
As Nigeria mourns the passage of both a former President and one of its most iconic royal fathers on the same day, the moment stands as a powerful reminder of an era of leadership that shaped the nation’s post-independence history.
