Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona Dies at 91

 The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, bringing to a close a remarkable 65-year reign that left an indelible mark on the cultural, economic, and political fabric of Ogun State and beyond. 

The revered monarch, who ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, at the tender age of 26 following a rigorous selection process by the Ijebu Traditional Council, died at his palace in Ijebu-Ode, hours after the nation learned of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death, casting a dual shadow of mourning over Nigeria. 

Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed the loss in a statewide broadcast, eulogizing Adetona as a visionary leader who transformed Ijebuland through initiatives like the establishment of tertiary institutions, healthcare facilities, and the elevation of the annual Ojude Oba festival into a globally recognized cultural event that attracts over 200,000 visitors.

Born on May 10, 1934, in Imupa, a small village in Ijebu Ode, Adetona pursued accountancy in the United Kingdom before his kingship, bringing a blend of modern governance and traditional wisdom to his rule. His reign weathered significant national upheavals, including military coups and economic crises, during which he served as a stabilizing voice, often mediating between communities and governments. 

President Bola Tinubu, in a national address, described him as a “towering natural ruler” whose counsel shaped national policy, while the palace has yet to disclose the cause of death, pending a traditional inquest. Plans for burial rites, steeped in Ijebu customs that include a seven-day mourning period and a grand procession, are being coordinated by the state government and the Adetona family, with an official announcement expected by midday.