On July 13, 2025, Nigerians received with shock the demise of Awujale of the Ijebu kingdom, Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna.
This is coming few hours after the confirmation of the death of the former president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari in London.
However, the death of the two elder statesmen could be said to be double tragedy for Nigeria.
Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna (10 May 1934 – 13 July 2025) was the Awùjalẹ̀ of the Ijẹbu Kingdom, a traditional state in Nigeria. He was installed as the king on 2 April 1960, which made him one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria. Adetona was a member of the House of Anikinaiya.
Early life
In any case, Ọba Sikiru Olukayọde Adetọna, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, was born on 10 May 1934 into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijẹbuland in his father’s house in Imupa, Ijebu Ode.
His father was Prince Rufai Adetọna Adeleke (born c. 1902), a son of Ọba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (c. 1825–1906), who was the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 to 1906. His mother was Ajibabi Ọnaṣile, who was from the town of Ijebu Igbo.
The founder of the Royal House of Anikinaiya (or Anikilaya) was his great-grandfather Oba Anikilaya, Figbajoye Agboogunsa I, (c. 1775–1854) who reigned from 1821 to 1854, and who himself was a son of Ọba Gbelegbuwa. As a member of the Royal House of Anikinaiya, his paternal family claimed descent from Olu-Iwa, the semi-legendary first Awujalẹ and Ọbanta, another founder of the Ijẹbu kingdom.
Education
Prince Adetọna attended various Baptist Schools, Ereko, Ijẹbu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke Agbo, Ijẹbu-Igbo; and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu-Ode between 1943 and 1950. For his secondary education, he attended Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutọla) College, Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956. Between 1957 and 1958 he took up an appointment with the then Audit Department of the Western Region, Ibadan.
The prince resigned his appointment in 1958 to pursue further studies in accountancy in the United Kingdom, which was the colonial ruler of Nigeria at the time.
His rise to the throne
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that by a letter dated 4 January 1960, referenced CB. 4 1/333, the Permanent Secretary in the Western Region Ministry of Local Government conveyed to the Local Government Adviser in Ijẹbu Ode approval of the Western Region Governor in Council, the appointment of Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona as king, and his confirmation as the new Awujale of Ijebuland with effect from that date (4 January 1960).
It became the lot of Ijẹbu notables like the late Ọgbẹni-Ọja, Chief (Dr.) Timothy Adeọla Odutọla, Bọbasuwa I, Chief Emmanuel Okusanya Okunọwọ (MBE, KFNM); and Aṣiwaju, Chief Samuel Ọlatubọsun Ṣhonibare to arrange for the home-coming of the King-elect. On 18 January 1960, the Head of the Ijẹbu Ode Regency Council, the Ọgbeni-Ọja, Chief Timothy Adeọla Odutọla formally presented the new traditional ruler to the whole world.
This presentation, which was a novelty, signalled the commencement of the installation ceremonies of the king-elect. It was indeed, a new dawn in the annals of Ijẹbu people. The king-elect thereafter proceeded to undergo the traditional seclusion at the Odo for three months.
Oba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna, who had earlier been nominated along with five others by the ODIS was unanimously selected by the kingmakers in conformity with Section 11 of the Chiefs Law of 1957 applicable in Western Region. The then Governor signed the Instrument of Office approving Prince Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna as Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland. The formal coronation took place on Saturday, 2 April 1960.
On 5 April 1960, newly crowned Ọba Adetọna took his seat as a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs, after a formal introduction. Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna was a charismatic Prince, and some Ọbas and Chiefs nominated him for the presidency of the House of Chiefs. Albeit, an older and traditionally more senior Ọba, late Sir Adesọji Aderẹmi, Ọni of Ifẹ was subsequently elected the President. The thought here was that early as a monarch, the twenty-six-year-old Awujalẹ was a fit and proper king for the exalted position. No doubt, this consideration was an admission of the uniqueness of the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland.
His death
Nevertheless, on July 13, 2025, Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna died aged at the age of 91.
President Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, others mourn Awujale of Ijebuland
By and large, President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most revered and outstanding traditional rulers.
In a statement personally signed by the President on Sunday night, Tinubu said the monarch’s passing marked a huge loss to Yorubaland and the country, especially as it coincided with the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his words, “Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.”
According to the President, the monarch, who ascended the throne at age 26 and reigned for over 65 years, played a key role in fostering national unity and guiding his people through decades of transformation in Ijebuland.
“During his remarkable reign that witnessed tremendous progress and development in Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebuland, Oba Adetona provided uncompromising leadership to his people.
“In his over six decades on the throne, ascending at 26, Oba Adetona used his role as a foremost ruler to advance the cause of progress and national unity. In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason,” Tinubu added.
In his own release, the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid glowing tribute to the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, describing his death as a profound loss to Nigeria’s traditional institution and national conscience.
Reacting to the monarch’s passing, Atiku said the news struck a deeply emotional chord despite Oba Adetona’s long and fulfilled life. He hailed the late king as a monarch of “rare courage, dignity, and divine grace” whose reign was marked by “fearless integrity and unwavering service.”
“Oba Adetona was not just a traditional ruler; he was a beacon of wisdom and fortitude, a cultural custodian, and a shining symbol of Black excellence on the global stage,” Atiku noted.
According to him, Nigeria has lost “a royal colossus,” whose voice and values shaped national discourse far beyond the palace walls. “He was a king who spoke truth to power without ever losing reverence for tradition or his people,” the statement read.
Atiku expressed solidarity with the people of Ijebuland and extended condolences to the government and people of Ogun State. He prayed for strength for the late monarch’s family and for Allah to grant Oba Adetona eternal rest among the righteous.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers, reigned as the Awujale of Ijebuland for several decades, earning admiration for his principled leadership and statesmanship.
Gov. Abiodium mourns the traditional ruler
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has expressed his shock over the death of the traditional ruler.
Abiodun who listed the legacies of the roral father, acknowledged the late Awujale’s efforts at fostering educational advancements, healthcare improvements and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
In a statement, the governor said that Ijebu Land witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development under the reigns of the Awujale.
The statement reads: “It is with profound gratitude to Allah that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebu Land.
“Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today (yesterday), July 13, 2025 at the age of 91 leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebu Land, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
“It is indeed double sadness that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors the same day that the former President, Muhammadu died in a London, the United Kingdom (UK) hospital.
“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebu Land.
“Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
“Under his guidance, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development, establishing itself as a model of progress in Ogun State. His leadership not only enhanced the cultural heritage of Ijebu Land with the Ojude Oba festival attaining international standards but also solidified its reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and tradition.
“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the extra-ordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to our country.
“His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to uphold the values he instilled in us during his illustrious reign.”
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