The remains of the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, were laid to rest on Monday in a solemn ceremony at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The 91-year-old monarch, who passed away after a remarkable reign spanning 64 years, was buried in accordance with Ijebu traditional rites, marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s traditional institution.
Dignitaries from across Nigeria converged on the historic town to pay their last respects to the revered king. Among them were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel, business mogul Aliko Dangote, and Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), who is also the Mayegun of Yorubaland.
The final rites, conducted privately by traditional custodians, were preceded by moments of reflection and tributes from royal family members, high chiefs, and prominent personalities.
Many described Oba Adetona as a fearless reformer and a staunch defender of Yoruba tradition, who used his throne to champion integrity, development, and justice.
Oba Adetona ascended the throne in April 1960 at the youthful age of 26, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Nigeria’s history. Born on May 10, 1934, the late monarch was known not only for preserving the customs of the Ijebu people but also for his progressive outlook and vocal stance on national issues.
Throughout his reign, Oba Adetona redefined traditional leadership, earning widespread admiration for his intellectual contributions and for establishing the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
Although the interment was held behind closed doors as dictated by custom, thousands of Ijebu indigenes and sympathisers flooded the streets of Ijebu Ode, chanting praise songs and offering prayers in honour of the monarch they affectionately called “Orisa Ijebu.”
Many mourners hailed him as a king who modernised the institution of royalty without losing its essence. “He was a bridge between tradition and transformation,” one mourner told PLATFORM TIMES.
The Ogun State Government is expected to unveil a series of posthumous events to celebrate the life and legacies of the late monarch in the days ahead.
Oba Adetona’s passing leaves a deep void in the Yoruba nation, especially among the Ijebu people, whose identity and pride he boldly championed on both local and national stages.
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