Nigeria has lost one of its most revered monarchs, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.
The announcement of his death came just hours after the passing of his longtime friend and former president, Muhammadu Buhari, marking what Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun called a moment of “double sadness.”
In an official statement, Governor Abiodun described the monarch’s passing as a monumental loss, not only to Ijebuland and Ogun State but to the entire nation.
“Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria in general,” Abiodun said.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history.
Legacy of Leadership and Progress
Governor Abiodun hailed the monarch’s transformative reign, noting his progressive leadership, commitment to cultural preservation, and efforts to elevate the global profile of Ijebuland, particularly through the internationally renowned Ojude Oba Festival.
“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 governor said.
Oba Adetona’s reign was marked by blunt honesty, courage, and a refusal to submit blindly to political authority. He was widely respected for his outspoken advocacy for traditional rulers to “speak truth to power.”
A Lifelong Friendship with Buhari
His friendship with former President Muhammadu Buhari spanned decades, beginning in the early 1980s. In a twist of fate, a planned deposition of Oba Adetona by the civilian government of the Western Region was thwarted by Buhari’s military coup of December 31, 1983.
Though the coup was not aimed at protecting the monarch, it prevented the implementation of a removal order that was to take effect just two days later. This event became a pivotal moment in the monarch’s reign and cemented a quiet but deep friendship between the two men.
“They shared mutual respect, and their relationship stood as a testament to dignity, restraint, and nation-building,” a source close to the family remarked.
A Towering Figure in Nigerian History
Oba Adetona was seen as a moral compass in the traditional institution, revered for his clarity, intelligence, and fierce independence.
His death leaves a void in the Yoruba nation and the larger Nigerian polity. Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, royal institutions, and cultural bodies across the country and the diaspora.
Governor Abiodun concluded his tribute by describing the late monarch as:
“A beacon of unity and progress… His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the royal family in the coming days.
