Tributes as Awujale of Ijebuland passes at 91

Tinubu, Abiodun, others mourn

• The life and legacy of a fearless monarch

President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday, mourned the passing of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The paramount ruler died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 years.

He reportedly died in the evening at his Ijebu Ode GRA residence in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The news of Oba Awujale’s death came on the heels of that of the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a United Kingdom hospital also on Sunday after a protracted illness.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, confirmed the exit of the monarch in a statement on Sunday.

The governor described the exit of the foremost traditional ruler as an end to a great era.

Abiodun said it was indeed a double sadness that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors the same day that Buhari died in a London hospital.

Announcing the death, Abiodun said, “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland.

“Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.

“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland.

“Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.”

The statement added, “Under his guidance, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development, establishing itself as a model of progress in Ogun State.

“His leadership not only enhanced the cultural heritage of Ijebuland with the Ojude Oba festival attaining international standards but also solidified its reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and tradition.”

The governor called for the celebration of the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honoured his contribution to the country.

“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to our country.

“His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to uphold the values he instilled in us during his illustrious reign,” the statement read.

A topmost chief in Ijebu land, Prof Fassy Yusuff, in a telephone conversation, also confirmed the incident

Prof Yusuff said, “It’s true, Kabiyesi is gone. Further announcements will be made later. He died about two hours ago.”

His life, times

Oba Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, was born on May 10, 1934, and became the Awujale on April 2, 1960, at 25 years old.

He clocked 65 years on the throne on April 2, 2025, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs.

He was from the Anikinaiya ruling house and succeeded Oba Daniel Adesanya, Gbelegbuwa II.

Oba Adetona was born into the royal family of Prince Rufai Adetona Adeleke and Alhaja Ajibabi Adetona.

He received his early education at Ogbere United Primary School and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu Ode. He later attended Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutola) College, Ijebu Ode.

After completing his secondary education, he worked in the Western Regional Civil Service before pursuing further studies in Accountancy in the United Kingdom

Oba Adetona was recalled from the UK to ascend the throne after the death of Oba Daniel Adesanya Gbelegbuwa ll in January 1959.

He was formally appointed and inaugurated as the Awujale of Ijebuland on April 2, 1960.

He was also appointed to the Western Nigeria House of Chiefs and served as a minister without portfolio in the Western Nigeria Executive Council.

Oba Adetona’s reign was marked by his strong and outspoken leadership. He was known for his commitment to the welfare of his people and the preservation of Ijebu culture and traditions.

The global ascendancy of Ojude Oba as an annual cultural heritage that attracts thousands of tourists to Ijebu land is attributed to the qualitative and uncommon leadership acumen of Oba Adetona.

He was also reputed to have stood up to the draconian leadership of the late dark goggle-wearing military general, Sani Abacha.

Tinubu mourns

President Tinubu, in a statement he signed, described Oba Adetona as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding, foremost, and revered traditional rulers.

“I received the news of this transition Sunday night with double pain in my heart as it coincided with the passing of my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The demise of Oba Adetona has left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.

“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.

“During his remarkable reign that witnessed tremendous progress and development in Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebuland, Oba Adetona provided uncompromising leadership to his people,” Tinubu said.

The President added that in more than 60 years on the throne, Oba Awujale used his role to advance the cause of progress and national unity.

“In his over six decades on the throne, ascending at 26, Oba Adetona used his role as a foremost ruler to advance the cause of progress and national unity. In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason.

I enjoyed an excellent personal relationship with Kabiyesi. I will forever cherish our time together.

“He was an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering,” the President said.

He lauded Oba Adetona’s sterling qualities of service,  philanthropy, investment in education, and research through the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, which he said would be an enduring monument in his memory.

“As the nation mourns Oba Adetona’s passing, I extend my condolences to the family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government, the people of Ogun State, and the sons and daughters of Ijebuland.

“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service,” the statement read.

Saraki mourns

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in a statement on his X handle, said a mighty Iroko has fallen.

Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba Agbotewole 11, the Awujale of Ijebuland, was the very embodiment of honour, nobility, and selfless service.

“For sixty-five years, he led Ijebuland with courage and an unshakable passion for the welfare of his people.

“Fearlessly, he spoke truth to power, offered wise counsel, and safeguarded the Ijebu heritage for present and future generations.

“He represented many eras. His death is the end of an era whose dawn was rooted in the pre-independence period,” Saraki said.

He extended his condolences to the royal family of Ijebu Ode, the Awujale-in-Council, the good people of Ijebu land, and the government and people of Ogun State.