BANKOLE TAIWO writes on the life and times of Oba Sikiru Adetona, a revered monarch and voice of courage, who bows out at 91 after a 65-year reign
for 65 years, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland sat on one of Nigeria’s most prestigious stools — a throne he ascended as a young man of 25 and vacated only in death at 91. His passing on Sunday, July 13, 2025, marked not just the end of a long reign, but the close of a developmental and dignified era in Yoruba monarchy and Nigerian history.
A monarch of uncommon candour and conviction, Oba Adetona was not your typical traditional ruler. He was bold in speech, democratic in orientation, and fiercely committed to the upliftment of his people. From cultural renaissance to political courage, he led from the front — not afraid to ruffle feathers in the corridors of power when the truth needed to be told.
The news of his death breezed in on Sunday night, just as Nigerians were adjusting to the earlier sad news of the passage of the country’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, in far away United Kingdom hospital, after a prolonged illness.
The passage of Oba Adetona at 91 was earlier thought to be a wicked rumour until it was eventually confirmed with a statement from Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
While mourning the royal father, the governor described the exit of the foremost traditional ruler as the end of a great era.
Abiodun said that it was indeed a double sadness that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors the same day that the former President, Muhammadu died in a United Kingdom hospital after being sick for a while.
The governor 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.
“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.
“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”.
A topmost chief in Ijebu land, Prof Fassy Yusuff, in a telephone conversation, also confirmed the sad incident to our correspondent.
Prof Yusuff said, “It’s true, Kabiyesi is gone. Further announcements will be made later, he died about two hours ago.”
Oba Adetona’s health had been in decline for some time due to old age. Notably, for the first time in many years, the royal father—who traditionally presides over the annual Ojude Oba Festival held on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir—was absent from this year’s celebration, which took place last month.
Prof Fassy Yusuff told The PUNCH that the paramount ruler just returned from a Lagos hospital and was at home recuperating, hence his absence at the annual festival.
The life of Oba Adetona was marked by courage, commitment to democratic ideals as well as the pursuit of greater development of Ijebu land and Nigeria as a whole.
For instance, during the struggles after the annulment of the Late MKO Abiola’s June 12 presidential election, Oba Adetona was said to have been among the royal fathers who never pretended that the military had overstayed and that there was an urgent need to return the country to the democratic path.
The paramount ruler was also said to have cleverly stood up against the military dictator, the late Gen Sani Abacha, who had wanted to kill his deputy then, the late Gen Oladipupo Diya, a distinguished son from Odogbolu, Ijebu land, over what was alleged to be a phantom coup.
Oba Adetona’s committed dedication to developing Ijebu land and making it Primus inter pares was never in doubt throughout his 65 years of reign.
He was, until his death, the leading light for the creation of Ijebu State.
The annual Ojude Oba festival, which now attracts thousands of tourists to Ijebu land, gained global ascendancy during his glorious reign.
It is on record that the traditional age grade called Regberegbe who usually dressed in resplendent attire and are usually the focal point during the annual Ojude Oba festival were modernised by the highly revered 91-year-old traditional ruler.
As a lover of good governance, Oba Adetona endowed a professorial chair in good governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, but last year when he was marking his 90th birthday, the royal father took this kind gesture forward with a donation of a sprawling edifice for what is known as Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance.
Fascinated by the royal father’s selflessness and contribution to nation building, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented at the occasion by Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the decoration of Awujale with the second highest honour in the land, the Grand Commander Order of Niger and also announced that the Federal Government would take over the School of Governance as an annexe of Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.
Awujale was committed to empowering the people of Ijebu land, hence his decision to float an empowerment initiative which has helped to provide good sources of living for the people.
Born on May 10, 1934, he 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 in the country.
A royalty from the Anikinaiya ruling house, Oba Adetona, born into the royal family of Prince Rufai Adetona Adeleke and Alhaja Ajibabi Adetona, succeeded Oba Daniel Adesanya, Gbelegbuwa II.
His reign was marked by strong leadership, dedication to his people, and preservation of Ijebu heritage.
He had 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 United Kingdom to assume the throne after the death of Oba 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.
He was a patron of the arts and culture, and his reign saw the growth and development of Ijebuland.
The first democratically elected governor of the state, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, between 1979 and 1984, reportedly suspended Awujale due to disloyalty to the Unity Party of Nigeria. (Punch)
