Nigeria is mourning the death of one of its most revered traditional rulers, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who passed away at the age of 91. His departure, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a Lagos hospital, ends an exceptional royal legacy that lasted for 65 years.
Sources within the palace confirmed the monarch’s death, noting that while it is true, official announcements would only follow traditional and governmental protocols. Given the cultural stature of the Awujale, the Ogun State Government must be formally involved before any public declarations are made.
Oba Adetona’s passing comes just hours after the demise of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, who also died on Sunday in London at the age of 81. The back-to-back losses of two towering national figures have cast a shadow of sorrow over the country, ushering in a profound period of mourning.
A Monarch Like No Other
Born on May 10, 1934, Sikiru Kayode Adetona hailed from the royal Anikinaiya lineage of the Ijebu people. He ascended the throne of Awujale on April 2, 1960, at just 26 years old, during the final months of Nigeria’s colonial rule. His coronation coincided with the nation’s march towards independence and positioned him as one of Nigeria’s youngest and most progressive traditional leaders at the time.
His reign outlived multiple generations of political leadership, including military juntas and civilian administrations, earning him admiration across traditional and modern sectors of society. He emerged as not just a custodian of Yoruba culture, but also a key voice in national conversations—often known for his blunt, principled stands on governance, justice, and integrity.
Cultural Leadership and the Ojude Oba Legacy
One of the most prominent aspects of Oba Adetona’s reign was his role in preserving and promoting Yoruba culture through the iconic Ojude Oba Festival. Held annually in Ijebu Ode, the festival brought together people from across Nigeria and the diaspora to celebrate Ijebu heritage, honour the monarch, and showcase the rich traditions of horse-riding, colourful regalia, and community pride.
Until recent years, the Awujale actively presided over the event, receiving homage from age-grade societies and local dignitaries. However, in 2025, he was notably absent for the first time in decades, reportedly due to health concerns. This absence, though quietly observed, hinted at the declining health of the nonagenarian ruler.
An Institution Beyond the Throne
Beyond his ceremonial duties, Oba Adetona played a transformative role in education and governance in Ogun State and beyond. In 2014, he donated a substantial endowment to establish the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University. That school later evolved into a vital policy institute and was formally adopted by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
In recognition of his lifelong contributions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 honoured the monarch with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, typically reserved for heads of state and highly distinguished citizens.
President Tinubu hailed Oba Adetona as a symbol of courage, dignity, and moral strength, saying the Awujale embodied “everything noble about leadership.”
Navigating Power and Politics
Oba Adetona’s reign was not without its turbulent moments. In the early 1980s, he found himself at odds with the government of Ogun State under Governor Olabisi Onabanjo, which controversially announced his deposition. However, the monarch successfully contested the move and was reinstated following due process, reinforcing his standing as a monarch of integrity and strength.
He also authored a memoir titled “Awujale: The Autobiography of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,” in which he detailed his experiences navigating power, politics, and the palace. The book offered rare insight into the challenges faced by traditional rulers in a rapidly modernizing Nigeria and solidified his status as a thoughtful voice in public life.
A Respected Leader Across Religions and Regions
Though rooted in the Yoruba tradition, Oba Adetona’s influence reached far beyond ethnic or religious boundaries. In 2024, he was named the “Commander of Muslim Kings in Yorubaland,” a title that affirmed his prominence within Islamic communities. Nevertheless, he remained inclusive and balanced in his approach to interfaith relations and community unity.
Under his leadership, Ijebuland experienced significant growth, not only in infrastructure and economic activity but also in cultural relevance and pride. His consistent message to the youth centered on education, service, and self-respect, while his engagement with elders was guided by wisdom and deep-rooted tradition.
The Road Ahead: Mourning and Succession
Although the palace has confirmed Oba Adetona’s passing, traditional Yoruba customs dictate that such news must be announced with great care. The Ogun State Government is expected to coordinate with the Council of Chiefs, kingmakers, and religious leaders to perform the necessary rites before a public funeral plan is revealed.
Following his burial, the responsibility of choosing a new Awujale will fall to the kingmakers of Ijebuland. The next monarch will be selected from one of the four recognized ruling houses: Anikinaiya, Gbelegbuwa, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote. The process, steeped in tradition, may take several months to complete, ensuring thorough deliberation and legitimacy.
A Double Blow to the Nation
Oba Adetona’s passing has come just as the country began mourning the loss of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London hours earlier. The near-simultaneous departures of these two influential figures have deeply unsettled the national psyche. One ruled from a traditional stool, the other from the presidential villa, yet both shaped Nigeria in their own significant ways.
While Buhari’s political legacy continues to provoke debate, the Awujale’s legacy enjoys near-universal respect. His contributions to culture, education, policy, and national dialogue were widely regarded as selfless and consistent.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
With the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Nigeria loses not just a king, but a symbol of cultural endurance, wisdom, and public service. His 65-year reign stands as a testament to stability in a nation often marred by change and disruption.
He leaves behind a powerful legacy: a stronger Ijebuland, a proud Yoruba identity, and a voice of reason in turbulent times. His memory will endure in the institutions he helped build, the traditions he upheld, and the countless lives he touched.
As Ijebuland and Nigeria prepare to honour his life and legacy, the entire nation reflects on a man who wore the crown not only with honour but with distinction, compassion, and unwavering strength.
