Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona Passes On @91

The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, passed on at the age of 91 on Sunday, 13 July, 2025, just hours after the announcement of the demise of his longtime friend, former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and widely revered for his contributions to the sociopolitical development of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, confirmed the monarch’s death in a statement issued from Abeokuta, the state capital, on Sunday.

Confirming the monarch’s death in a statement on Sunday, Abiodun described it as a huge loss to the state and the nation at large.

He wrote, “We mourn the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland

“With deep sorrow, we announce the transition of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.”

“This sad development, coinciding with the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, marks a profound loss not just for Ogun State, but for the entire nation.”

“Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was a symbol of unity, wisdom, and development. Under his reign, Ijebuland witnessed unparalleled cultural renaissance, infrastructural growth and economic advancement.”

 

“His role in elevating the Ojude Oba festival to global recognition, alongside his enduring commitment to education, health and tradition, will remain a timeless legacy.

“We honour his remarkable contributions and pray that his soul finds eternal rest,” he added.

Little Biography

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 1902), a son of Ọba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (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, (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.

Prince Adetọna attended various primary schools, namely; 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.

Authenticity of Oba Sikiru as Awujale

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.