AWUJALE: END OF A NOBLE REIGN
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By ‘Leke Yusuf
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was the second longest reigning monarch in Nigeria, also known as Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
He was crowned on April 2, 1960, and held the throne for an impressive 65 years, making him the second longest-reigning monarch in Nigeria but also a testament to his leadership skills and dedication to his people.
Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona represents the Anikilaya ruling family and has played a significant role in promoting the cultural heritage of Ijebu Ode while fostering development and unity within his domain. His reign has seen him work with numerous Nigerian leaders, including Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Rt. Hon. Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, and President Muhammad Buhari.
Some notable achievements of Oba Adetona’s reign include:
– Preservation of Cultural Heritage: He placed strong emphasis on promoting traditional customs and practices, earning him the nickname “Ogbagba Agbatewole,” meaning “the custodian of tradition”.
– Community Development: Oba Adetona galvanized his people to construct notable projects, including the ultra-modern palace and the Oba S. K. Adetona Golden Jubilee Centre.
– Leadership and Unity: His wisdom, foresight, and dedication have earned him the love and loyalty of his people, as well as the admiration of his counterparts across Nigeria.
His father was Prince Rufai Adetọna Adeleke (born c. 1902), a son of Ọba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (c. 1825–1906), who was the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 to 1906. His mother was Ajibabi Ọnaṣile, who was from the town of Ijebu Igbo. The founder of the Royal House of Anikinaiya (or Anikilaya) was his great-grandfather Oba Anikilaya, Figbajoye Agboogunsa I, (c. 1775–1854) who reigned from 1821 to 1854, and who himself was a son of Ọba Gbelegbuwa. As a member of the Royal House of Anikinaiya, his paternal family claimed descent from Olu-Iwa, the semi-legendary first Awujalẹ and Ọbanta, another founder of the Ijẹbu kingdom.
Prince Adetọna attended various Baptist Schools, Ereko, Ijẹbu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke Agbo, Ijẹbu-Igbo; and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu-Ode between 1943 and 1950. For his secondary education, he attended Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutọla) College, Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956. Between 1957 and 1958 he took up an appointment with the then Audit Department of the Western Region, Ibadan.
The prince resigned his appointment in 1958 to pursue further studies in accountancy in the United Kingdom, which was the colonial ruler of Nigeria at the time.
By a letter dated 4 January 1960, referenced CB. 4 1/333, the Permanent Secretary in the Western Region Ministry of Local Government conveyed to the Local Government Adviser in Ijẹbu Ode approval of the Western Region Governor in Council, the appointment of Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona as king, and his confirmation as the new Awujale of Ijebuland with effect from that date (4 January 1960). It became the lot of Ijẹbu notables like the late Ọgbẹni-Ọja, Chief (Dr.) Timothy Adeọla Odutọla, Bọbasuwa I, Chief Emmanuel Okusanya Okunọwọ (MBE, KFNM); and Aṣiwaju, Chief Samuel Ọlatubọsun Ṣhonibare to arrange for the home-coming of the King-elect. On 18 January 1960, the Head of the Ijẹbu Ode Regency Council, the Ọgbeni-Ọja, Chief Timothy Adeọla Odutọla formally presented the new traditional ruler to the whole world. This presentation, which was a novelty, signalled the commencement of the installation ceremonies of the king-elect. It was indeed, a new dawn in the annals of Ijẹbu people. The king-elect thereafter proceeded to undergo the traditional seclusion at the Odo for three months.
Oba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna, who had earlier been nominated along with five others by the ODIS was unanimously selected by the kingmakers in conformity with Section 11 of the Chiefs Law of 1957 applicable in Western Region. The then Governor signed the Instrument of Office approving Prince Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna as Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland. The formal coronation took place on Saturday, 2 April 1960.
On 5 April 1960, newly crowned Ọba Adetọna took his seat as a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs, after a formal introduction. Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna was a charismatic Prince, and some Ọbas and Chiefs nominated him for the presidency of the House of Chiefs. Albeit, an older and traditionally more senior Ọba, late Sir Adesọji Aderẹmi, Ọni of Ifẹ was subsequently elected the President. The thought here was that early as a monarch, the twenty-six-year-old Awujalẹ was a fit and proper king for the exalted position. No doubt, this consideration was an admission of the uniqueness of the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland.
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