The Life and Time of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona: A Reformer King is Born

By Shola Adebowale

His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa, Ogbagba II, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, the Awujale of Ijebuland, was a highly respected Nigerian monarch who served as the Awujale of Ijebuland, a traditional state in Ogun State, Nigeria. Born on May 10, 1934, he ascended to the throne on April 2, 1960, and reigned for over 65 years until his passing on July 13, 2025, making him the longest-reigning king in Nigerian history, serving from his young age to a ripe old age.

Adetona was born into the Royal House of Anikinaiya. His educational background includes attending Baptist School, Ereko, Ijebu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo; and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu-Ode. He later attended Olu-Iwa College (now Adeola Odutola College), Ijebu-Ode. Adetona was pursuing further studies in accountancy in London when he received news of his selection as the new Awujale of Ijebuland. He had to cut short his education, embarking on the long journey back home to undergo the traditional rites of enthronement as the King of the “Akile Ijebu”.

Adetona’s reign was marked by significant development in Ijebuland, including improvements in education, healthcare, and economic growth. During his reign, Ijebu-Ode transformed into a thriving city with numerous infrastructural developments, becoming a melting pot of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria who freely reside without fear.
Some notable achievements include Cultural Stewardship, whereby he upheld and promoted Ijebu traditions and customs, ensuring the kingdom’s rich heritage was preserved and respected.Also in the area of economic development, he championed microfinance and poverty alleviation initiatives, transforming the Ojude Oba festival into a global cultural brand.In education. He established the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University and donated a sprawling edifice for the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance.The city also witnessed a proliferation of Pentecostal churches, a notable shift from its traditional and cultural landscape. He was known for his wisdom, kindness, and commitment to the betterment of his people.

He was honored with Nigeria’s second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), in celebration of his 90th birthday.

Adetona’s legacy includes promoting unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development in Ijebuland. He played a strong role in traditional and national affairs, serving in the Western Region House of Chiefs. Notably, he played a leading role in the struggle to readdress the June 12 annulment, serving as a rallying point for all pro-democracy groups and earning the tag “NADECO KING”. He was a thorn in the flesh of the Abacha government, and his resilience likely spared him from the worst of Abacha’s wrath. Throughout his reign, he tirelessly advocated for the creation of Ijebu State, and it’s unfortunate that he won’t witness the birth of his beloved child, Ijebu State, which is now imminent before the national assembly.

President Bola Tinubu described Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona as “a towering natural ruler” who served his people with honor, dignity, and wisdom.While, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also praised Adetona’s leadership, noting that Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development under his guidance.

The passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona marks the end of an era. As Shakespeare once said, “The good men must die, but good men’s legacies live on.” Adetona’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide future generations. His contributions to the development of Ijebuland and Nigeria at large are a testament to his wisdom, kindness, and commitment to the betterment of his people. As the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Adetona’s excellence in leadership and service to his people is a shining example of this philosophy. Interestingly, Adetona’s fate was intertwined with that of Muhammadu Buhari, the former President of Nigeria, who had saved his reign after he was removed from office by the civilian government of Bisi Onabanjo but reinstated when Buhari came into office as a military head of state. It is noteworthy that both men passed away on the same day, July 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Their passing marks the end of an era, but their contributions to Nigeria’s history will forever be etched in the annals of time.

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