Nigeria has lost one of its most revered traditional rulers. Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, died on Sunday at the age of 91.
The monarch passed away just hours after the reported death of his longtime friend and former President, Muhammadu Buhari. Sources confirmed he died peacefully at a private hospital in Lagos.
Oba Adetona ruled Ijebuland for over 64 years. He ascended the throne in 1960 at just 26 and led with distinction until his death. His reign is one of the longest in Nigerian history.
He was widely respected not only as a royal figure but also as a national voice on governance, ethics, and leadership. He remained outspoken through military dictatorships and democratic transitions alike.
Although the Ogun State Government has not issued an official statement, close palace sources confirmed the monarch’s passing. His palace in Ijebu-Ode is expected to announce burial plans soon.
Born on May 10, 1934, the Awujale was a symbol of cultural pride and modernization. Under his rule, Ijebuland witnessed major developments in infrastructure, business, and education.
Oba Adetona shared a deep bond with former President Buhari. Their friendship spanned decades and was rooted in shared conservative values and national interest. Many Nigerians saw them as moral beacons in times of political uncertainty.
In 2021, Olabisi Onabanjo University honored the monarch by renaming its School of Governance Studies after him. This move recognized his contributions to education, leadership, and traditional institutions.
Following news of his death, tributes have poured in from across the country. Political figures, traditional rulers, and cultural organizations have all expressed their grief. Many describe him as a wise leader, a unifier, and a father figure.
His death, coming so soon after Buhari’s, has plunged the nation into mourning. Nigerians are now reflecting on the legacy of two of its most influential elder statesmen lost within the same day.
Oba Adetona’s death marks the end of an era in traditional leadership. The Ijebu people and the wider nation will remember him for his vision, courage, and lifelong service to the country.
