AWUJALE OF IJEBULAND, OBA SIKIRU ADETONA, LAID TO REST AMID NATIONAL MOURNING
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The remains of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, have been laid to rest at his private residence in the Government Reserved Area, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, was buried on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites. His Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) was led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo.
His death came just hours after that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, adding to a sombre national mood.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, and thousands of residents thronged Ijebu-Ode to pay their final respects to the revered monarch, whose 65-year reign made him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers. Markets across the town were shut in his honour, following a directive by the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman, Dare Alebiosu.
President Bola Tinubu was represented at the burial by a federal delegation led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
Other prominent attendees included Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Ogun governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; business mogul Aliko Dangote; and PDP chieftain Ladi Adebutu.
Governor Abiodun described the monarch as “a dependable father and selfless leader,” recalling Oba Adetona’s unwavering support during personal and political challenges. “In recognition of Kabiyesi’s immense support, I named the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road in his honour,” he stated.
Former Governor Gbenga Daniel hailed the Awujale’s courage and integrity. “He never shielded the truth. One way to honour his memory is by actualising the Ijebu State dream he championed for decades,” Daniel said.
Chief Olusegun Osoba lauded Oba Adetona’s role in advancing education across Ogun State, while Dangote praised the monarch’s mental sharpness and moral authority. “Baba lived a fulfilled life, respected across Nigeria. He was still mentally alert, speaking to Governor Abiodun shortly before his passing,” he said.
Oba Adetona, born on May 10, 1934, from the Anikinaiya Royal House, ascended the throne as the 50th Awujale on April 2, 1960, at the age of 26. Before his coronation, he studied accountancy in the United Kingdom and worked with the Western Region’s Audit Department.
Renowned for his advocacy for religious freedom in burial customs, the promotion of the Ojude Oba festival, and the unity of Ijebu people, Oba Adetona was also a strong voice for the creation of an Ijebu State.
Throughout his reign, he maintained close relations with national leaders and hosted former Presidents including Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. In May 2024, President Tinubu honoured him with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in celebration of his 90th birthday.
His passing marks the end of a transformative era in Ijebuland, but his legacy of principled leadership, modern traditionalism, and dedication to his people will endure.
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