A prominent Ogun politician and convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, describing the late monarch as one of the greatest to ever sit on the throne.
In an emotionally charged tribute, Showunmi mourned the exit of the revered monarch, stating that Oba Adetona lived a purposeful life defined by honour, cultural preservation, and fearless leadership that elevated Ijebuland to global recognition.
“Ajankoro dugbe dugbe! The big Iroko has fallen,” Showunmi lamented. “Oba Sikiru Adetona was the greatest of the great Awujales.
He lived for Ijebuland and for her sons and daughters. His life was dedicated to service, dignity, and the advancement of our culture, values, and identity.”
Oba Adetona, who joined his ancestors at the age of 91, reigned for over six decades and was widely regarded as the longest-serving first-class monarch in Nigeria.
Under his leadership, Ijebuland experienced cultural renaissance and socio-political relevance, most notably through the elevation of the Ojude Oba festival into an internationally acclaimed event.
Showunmi praised the late monarch’s visionary promotion of Ojude Oba, describing it as “a world-class cultural festival with Oriental-Arabic roots, which the Ijebu people adopted and uniquely styled with their flamboyant owambe spirit.”
“Your contributions to secular and Islamic scholarship, your courage in confronting injustice, and your unrivaled wisdom in royal stewardship make your transition a profound loss—not only to Ijebuland but to Nigeria and Africa,” Showunmi added.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the Fidipote Royal Family of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebu nation, calling on the people to remain united and proud of the enviable legacy left behind by their late king.
Quoting Yoruba praise poetry rich with ancestral reference, Showunmi concluded his tribute with prayers for Oba Adetona’s peaceful repose and divine forgiveness.
“Your shoes are very big. Only the gods can help fill this mighty void you have left behind. Baba Adetoun, sun re,” he said.
Oba Adetona’s death has thrown Ijebuland into mourning, with dignitaries, traditional rulers, and political leaders paying tribute to a monarch many described as a royal icon, a moral compass, and a defender of truth.
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