The late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been laid to rest at his private residence in the Government Reserved Area of Igbeba, located in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The death of the monarch, announced by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, occurred while the nation was still mourning former President Muhammadu Buhari's passing on Sunday. The monarch died at 91 years old.
On Monday in Ijebu-Ode, dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, and residents gathered to bid farewell to the ruler who had reigned for 65 years.
The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo, led the Janazah (Islamic burial prayer). To honor the departed king, markets throughout the town were closed as instructed by Dare Alebiosu, Chairman of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by a delegation from the Federal Government, headed by Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, along with Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Governor Abiodun of Ogun State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor; former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel from Ogun; business tycoon Aliko Dangote; and Ladi Adebutu, the PDP's 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun State.
At the funeral, Governor Abiodun referred to the Awujale as "a reliable father and a selfless leader," reminiscing about how the monarch supported him both privately and publicly through various personal and political difficulties.
"In gratitude for Kabiyesi's actions, I dedicated the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road in his honor after taking office," he remarked.
Otunba Daniel lauded Oba Adetona for his courage and integrity, calling him "a monarch who always spoke the truth." He stated, "A fitting tribute to Kabiyesi would be the realization of Ijebu State—a long-cherished dream he held until his last days."
Former Governor Olusegun Osoba expressed similar thoughts, highlighting the significant influence of the Awujale on educational development in the state.
In his tribute, Dangote remarked that Baba led a fulfilling life and was both respected and loved. His esteemed reputation extended beyond Ijebu to all of Ogun State and Nigeria, remaining untarnished even till the end. In his final moments, he demonstrated mental acuity by conversing with the governor shortly before passing away.
The late Awujale was highly esteemed for his advocacy that traditional rulers should be interred according to their personal religious beliefs, his persistent calls for the establishment of an Ijebu State, and his endeavors in uniting the Ijebu people, especially through the annual Ojude Oba festival.
Oba Adetona was born on May 10, 1934, and came from the Anikinaiya Royal House. He became the 50th Awujale at the age of 26 when he ascended to the throne on April 2, 1960. Prior to his kingship, he pursued accountancy studies in the United Kingdom following a short stint with the Audit Department of Western Region.
During his reign, he maintained strong relationships with national leaders, hosting presidents such as Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 and Muhammadu Buhari in 2016. In May 2024, President Tinubu awarded him Nigeria’s second-highest national honor—the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—in recognition of his 90th birthday.
The passing of Oba Adetona at 92 signifies the close of an era, yet his legacy—characterized by candid leadership, a blend of modernity with tradition, and unwavering service to his community—will endure.
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