The remains of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were laid to rest on Monday at his private residence in the Government Reserved Area, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
His burial came as the nation was still mourning the loss of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State had earlier announced the monarch’s passing at the age of 91.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, political figures, and local residents gathered in Ijebu-Ode to pay their last respects to the revered ruler, who had reigned for an unprecedented 65 years.
The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo, led the Janazah (Islamic burial prayer). In honour of the monarch, markets across Ijebu-Ode were closed, following a directive from the Chairman of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Dare Alebiosu.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
Other dignitaries present included Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; former Ogun State governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; business mogul Aliko Dangote; and PDP’s 2023 Ogun governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.
In his address, Governor Abiodun described the late king as “a dependable father and a selfless leader,” and recalled how the monarch had supported him through various personal and political challenges. “In appreciation of what Kabiyesi did for me, I named the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road in his honour upon assuming office,” he stated.
Former Governor Daniel praised Oba Adetona’s candour and commitment to justice, calling him “a monarch who never shielded the truth.” He added that one meaningful way to honour the Awujale’s legacy would be to realise the long-desired creation of Ijebu State — a vision the monarch held dearly.
Olusegun Osoba echoed these sentiments, lauding the king’s enduring contributions to education and development in Ogun State.
Aliko Dangote, in his tribute, said: “Baba lived a fulfilled life. He was respected and loved, not just in Ijebu but across Ogun State and Nigeria. Even in his final moments, he was mentally alert and spoke to the governor shortly before his passing.”
The late Awujale was celebrated for championing the rights of traditional rulers to be buried in accordance with their personal religious beliefs. He was also a consistent voice in the campaign for the creation of Ijebu State and a unifying figure among Ijebu people, notably through the renowned Ojude Oba festival.
Born on 10 May 1934, Oba Adetona hailed from the Anikinaiya Royal House. He became the 50th Awujale on April 2, 1960 at the age of 26, after briefly working with the Western Region Audit Department and studying accountancy in the United Kingdom.
During his reign, he forged relationships with national leaders, including former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, whom he hosted in 2015 and 2016 respectively. In May 2024, President Tinubu awarded him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on his 90th birthday.
Oba Adetona’s passing at the age of 92 marks the close of a remarkable era. His legacy of truth, modernised traditional leadership, and unwavering service to his people will continue to resonate for generations.