Nigeria has lost one of its most enduring and respected traditional rulers as the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, passed away on Sunday at the age of 91. His death occurred just hours after the announcement of the passing of his longtime friend and former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, marking a somber day in the nation’s history.
Oba Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in Nigeria’s history. His reign, which began shortly before Nigeria gained independence, was marked by resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to the progress of Ijebuland and the Yoruba cultural heritage.
The monarch’s close relationship with Muhammadu Buhari dated back to the early 1980s and was solidified under extraordinary political circumstances. In 1983, the then-governor of Ogun State, Olabisi Onabanjo, had signed a formal order to depose Oba Adetona, with the removal scheduled to take effect on January 2, 1984. However, a military coup led by Buhari on December 31, 1983, toppled Nigeria’s civilian government and inadvertently halted the plan, thereby preserving Adetona’s reign. This pivotal event marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship between the two men.
Oba Adetona was widely admired for his advocacy for justice, his non-partisan stance in national politics, and his commitment to good governance. He played a vital role in the development of Ijebuland and championed initiatives that promoted education, public accountability, and traditional values. One of his most enduring legacies is the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, a testament to his belief in leadership through knowledge.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with tributes coming in from political leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens who viewed him as a symbol of continuity, dignity, and cultural pride. The people of Ijebuland now face the difficult task of bidding farewell to a monarch who was more than a ruler — he was a father figure, a statesman, and a unifier.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the royal family in the coming days.
