The paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has died at the age of 91, just hours after the announcement of the death of his longtime friend and former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The monarch reportedly passed away peacefully at a private hospital in Lagos on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Life and Legacy
Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, at the age of 26 and reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history.
During his reign, Ijebuland witnessed significant development, infrastructural growth, and cultural resilience.
He was a symbol of cultural pride, political wisdom, and royal integrity.
Relationship with Buhari
The Awujale’s friendship with Buhari dated back to the 1980s, when Buhari intervened to preserve Adetona’s reign during a military coup.
Their decades-long friendship was rooted in mutual respect and shared conservative values, with both men often seen as moral voices within their spheres.
Tributes and Reaction
Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, traditional institutions, and cultural groups across the country, describing the monarch as a rare gem and a father to many.
Burial Arrangements
Details of the funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode in due course.
Nigeria enters a moment of sober reflection with the back-to-back passing of two elder statesmen—Oba Adetona and Muhammadu Buhari—within a single day.
Achievements While on the Throne
Ascending the throne in 1960, Oba Adetona emerged not just as a custodian of culture, but as a reformist monarch who blended tradition with innovation, leaving a legacy marked by peace, progress, and people-centered development.
Here are some of his most defining achievements:
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Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation
Oba Adetona championed economic inclusion by promoting microfinance initiatives that empowered market women, youth, and small-scale entrepreneurs.
His interventions directly targeted poverty reduction and economic resilience within Ijebuland.
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City-wide Consultations for Inclusive Governance
He pioneered a model of city-wide consultations that emphasized inclusive leadership.
By institutionalizing dialogue across age grades, community leaders, and professional groups, Oba Adetona created a participatory system of governance rare among traditional institutions.
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Educational Development
The monarch’s passion for education manifested in the construction and rehabilitation of schools and learning centers.
His reign saw significant investment in academic infrastructure, boosting access to quality education in Ijebuland.
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Infrastructure Development
Under his watch, Ijebuland witnessed the expansion and improvement of roads and public infrastructure. These developments improved inter-town connectivity and enhanced commercial activities across the region.
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Modernization of the Ojude Oba Festival
Oba Adetona transformed the annual Ojude Oba festival into an internationally recognized cultural event. While preserving its traditional roots, he infused it with modern flair, attracting tourists, investors, and scholars from across the globe.
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Promotion of Social Cohesion through “Regberegbe”
Through the revitalization of the Regberegbe (age-grade system), he galvanized civic participation among the youth. The system was instrumental in promoting unity, volunteering, and coordinated development efforts within the kingdom.
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Endowment of a Professorial Chair in Governance
In a move that bridged royalty and academia, the monarch endowed the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
This groundbreaking initiative supports research in democratic governance and accountability.
With a life well lived, the late Oba Sikiru Olukayode Adetona has set a foundational pace for generations to come to build up on.
Tribute by the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki
Truly, a mighty Iroko has fallen.
Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba Agbotewole II, 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.
As the nation mourns his transition, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family of Ijebu Ode, the Awujale-in-Council, the good people of Ijebuland, and the government and people of Ogun State.
I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) admits Kabiyesi into Aljannah Firdaus. Ameen.
