Nigeria has lost another towering figure as the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona passed away at the age of 91. The revered monarch passed away on Sunday, just hours after the death of his longtime friend and former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, confirmed the monarch’s passing in an official statement, describing the dual loss as “a monumental tragedy” for the nation. “Their lifelong bond and national impact make this an especially solemn day,” the governor said.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, reigned for over 64 years—making him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers. His leadership brought immense transformation to Ijebuland, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. He was also instrumental in raising the global profile of the annual Ojude Oba festival, which became a symbol of cultural pride and unity.
Governor Abiodun lauded the monarch’s courage and unwavering moral authority: “Oba Adetona was a monarch who stood firm in his convictions. He spoke truth to power and refused to be subservient to political interests. His reign shaped Ijebuland into a bastion of culture, commerce, and political relevance.”
The enduring friendship between Oba Adetona and Muhammadu Buhari dated back to the early 1980s. In a remarkable twist of history, a planned deposition of the monarch by the then-Ogun State Government was interrupted by a military coup led by Buhari on December 31, 1983. The removal order, scheduled for January 2, 1984, was rendered ineffective, effectively preserving Oba Adetona’s reign. Although the intervention was not deliberate, it laid the groundwork for a quiet yet enduring friendship between the two men.
“Oba Adetona was a beacon of unity, progress, and principled leadership,” Governor Abiodun said. His wisdom, compassion, and relentless dedication to the betterment of his people will remain etched in our collective memory.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
