Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Dangote, others bid farewell
The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,who joined his ancestors on Sunday was yesterday honoured by dignitaries at his Ijebu Ode, Ogun State home.
He was 91.
The honour was in line with his Islamic faith.
The events took place at his Ogbagba Court, Igbeba around 6pm with prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheik Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo.
Traditionalists who came to the venue to perform rites were turned back by security men.
Eminent Nigerians who converged on the residence included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who joined Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The Federal Government was represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani and his Marine and Blue Economy counterpart, Gboyega Oyetola.
Others included former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji-Isola; former Deputy Governor, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate) was there.
However, in an interview with reporters, Senator Daniel said the Ijebu people would miss the fatherly support of Oba Adetona, whom they all regarded as the great grandfather.
“Without any doubt, the situation in Ijebu land cannot be the same again because the people had been used to paternal support of the great grandfather, who had navigated the land successfully and the people of this community have no choice than to come together to continue from where Kabiyesi left off.
“It is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, you have a forthright personality, who can speak truth to all at a time, who can be described as fearless, who abhors people telling lies and who is very straight forward to a fault.
“Kabiyesi is not used to anybody who is diplomatic. He says it as it is. At the end of the day, in the course of that, he garnered his own detractors.
“People have said that he successfully won all the battles. He was strong from the beginning to the end.
“He was indeed a forthright personality”.
The solemn ceremony attended by royal family was attended by family members, Ijebu high chiefs, and prominent dignitaries from across the country.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960 at the age of 26, was widely revered for his principled leadership, deep respect for tradition, and his efforts to modernise the Ijebu nation while preserving its cultural heritage.
His reign of 64 years made him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
His transition marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Yoruba monarchy and Nigerian traditional leadership.
The Ogun State Government is expected to announce commemorative events to honour the monarch in the coming days.
Fusengbuwa Ruling House is to produce next Awujale.
By the declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957 of the Customary Law regulating the selection of the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy, there are four ruling houses: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote.
Ascendancy to the stool of Awujale has been in that order.
While Oba Sikiru Adetona came from Anikinaiya Ruling House his predecessor was Awujale Oba Daniel Adesanya Gbelegbuwa II, who reigned between 1933 and 1959.
In the order of rotation, the ruling House to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland is Fusengbuwa, once headed by the late Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu, Otunba Subomi Balogun.
After Fusengbuwa, it would be the turn of Fidipote and later Gbelebuwa.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is adjudged the biggest of the four ruling houses and has produced the largest number of Awujale and they include Awujale Funsegbuwa, Awujale Jadiara and Awujale Tuwase.
An epitome of forthright leadership, says Abbas
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has extolled the virtues of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Tajudeen said the respected monarch, will be remembered for his forthright leadership and sincerity of purpose during his reign.
In his message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker lamented the transition of Oba Adetona.
As one of the country’s longest-reigning traditional rulers, Speaker Tajudeen said the Awujale was a blessing to the Ijebu people, rallying them towards the development of the land, and making Ojude Oba (the king’s court), an annual festival that is now attracting global attention to Ijebuland.
‘Unrepentant proponent of peace, stability, unity’
Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele described Oba Adetona as unrepentant proponent of peace, stability and unity
In a statement by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Leader of the Senate yesterday, Bamidele reflected on how Oba Adetona patriotically served his fatherland, state and communities while alive.
The Senate Leader, who represented the Senate South-West Caucus, condoled with the Anikinaiya Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, the entire people of Ijebu Kingdom as well as the government and people of Ogun State over the transition of the highly revered monarch.
Bamidele described the monarch as a natural proponent of peace and stability, whose reign between January 1960 and July 2025 witnessed real growth and development, ruling consciously not as a sectional leader, but as the ruler of all his subjects regardless of their political leaning, race and religion.
Ogun: Adetona, a royal father like no other
The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has described the passing of the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as, “a royal father like no other, bold, principled, and fiercely devoted to the progress of his people.”
According to the deputy governor, the revered monarch “redefined traditional leadership in Nigeria and for sixty-five years, he stood tall as a custodian of history, culture, and integrity.”
She also described him as “a great philanthropist, whose voice resonated far beyond Ijebuland, speaking truth to power, mentoring generations, instituting legacies and shaping public discourse with clarity and courage.”
Sanwo-Olu: His legacy will continue to guide Ijebu land
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday said the legacy of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II will continue to guide his people.
In a post on his X handle, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that although Oba Adetona’s passing was a great loss, the values he championed would endure.
He said his presence anchored the community for generations.
“Today, I join others in paying my last respects to His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland.
“His presence anchored the community for generations, and his legacy will continue to guide it. Although Oba Adetona’s passing is a great loss, the values he championed live on.
A most disciplined monarch, says Ogun Speaker
The Speaker, Ogun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Oludaisi Elemide, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikuru Adetona.
In a condolence message yesterday in Abeokuta, Elemide, described Oba Adetona’s death as a great loss to the nation and people of Nigeria.
The late Awujale was one of the most disciplined and highly revered traditional rulers in the country.
He added that Oba Adetona had made great impact in transforming traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
AbdulRazaq: An emblem of culture, unity
Kwara State Governor Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people and government of Ogun State on the passing on of the Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Mallam AbdulRazaq recalled that the Awujale was a towering cultural figure and a symbol of unity, honour, and respect whose reign marked a significant shift in royal leadership.
The governor in a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye “salutes the courage, carriage, and commitment with which the late Awujale led his people for more than six decades and the prestige that his reign brought to Ijebu and its cultural heritage.”
Yoruba will miss his leadership, says Obasa
Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, HRM Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, saying the Yoruba race all over the globe will miss his leadership.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, Speaker Obasa described Oba Adetona as “a revered monarch, a custodian of our rich cultural heritage, and a symbol of unity and strength in our community.
“His wisdom and leadership left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Yoruba all over the world, not just Ijebu people, will miss his leadership,” Obasa noted.
‘A ruler of refreshing candour’
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has commiserated with the family of the Awujale of Ijebuiand, Oba Kayode Sikiru Adetona over the demise of the monarch.
Oba Owoade who noted the late Awujale had a futuristic vision, knew how to turn his ideas into real-world success stories.
Alaafin also stated that the late royal father was acknowledged not only for his belief in honesty and integrity, but lived by it, which are two most important ingredients that make a good leader.
In a condolence message signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade noted that late Awujale was reputed as a highly respectable paramount ruler because he adhered strictly to the values and core beliefs.
Alebiosu extols legacy
The Chairman of the Council of Otunbas of Ijebu-land, Otunba Busura Alebiosu, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II.
Otunba Alebiosu described the late monarch as a symbol of royalty, dignity, courage, and wisdom whose reign redefined the modern traditional institution in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Council, he said: “The Awujale was not just a king to the Ijebus, he was the soul of a people, the custodian of our heritage, and a global icon of integrity. His long and impactful reign, marked by fearlessness, intellect, and modernization, will remain an inspiration to generations unborn.”
Otunba Alebiosu commiserated with all Ijebu sons and daughters across the world, saying the vacuum left by Oba Adetona’s transition is immense.
“We are consoled by the indelible legacy he leaves behind, one of service, truth, and unflinching patriotism. I urge every Ijebu man and woman to honour his memory by living out the values he cherished.”
He urged the Ijebu people and Nigerians as a whole to remain resilient, emphasising that they should draw strength from their shared history and continue to move forward with the courage exemplified by their departed leaders.
‘Monarch’s death, end of a glorious era’
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as the end of a glorious era.
He commiserated with the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the residents of the state on the passage of Oba Adetona, who according to Makinde, represented the height and beauty of royal prowess.
The governor stated this yesterday, in a condolence message made available to reporters in Ibadan.
How he promoted good governance, by NIPSS
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has said that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona contributed immensely to the promotion of good governance in the country.
In a condolence message issued in Abuja, Director General of the Institute, Ayo Omotayo said the late monarch also contributed immensely to the emancipation of Nigeria into a democratic country.
The Institute said the Awujale was a true leader who was committed to nurturing ethical leadership, fostering good governance, and empowering future generations with values necessary for national development.
NPSS said: “We will forever be grateful for his wisdom, guidance, and the unwavering support.
“His presence was a source of inspiration and his legacy will continue to live on through the work we do, in every staff and participant that walks through our doors, and in every leader who carries forward the principles he held so dear.
Awujale’s demise, a personal loss, says Daniel
Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, has described the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, as sad and a profound loss.
In a condolence message issued in Abuja yesterday, Daniel said that the demise of the revered traditional ruler was a personal loss to him, given the close relationship he shared with the late traditional ruler.
“His life exemplified the true core values of what the whole of Ijebu people represent. Kabiyesi was not just our traditional ruler in Ijebuland, but a father figure to many of us,” the former governor of Ogun said.
Daniel said that the late Oba was a moral compass of integrity, courage and wisdom, adding that he symbolised the full essence of Ijebu culture and traditional values.
“In his 65 years on the throne, Kabiyesi became the symbol and identity of progress, resourcefulness and enterprise earning the sobriquet as “Orisa Ijebu”: an apotheosis of a god with spiritual authority and a dispenser of prosperity.
‘He was an iconic, dignified leader’
A former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, has described the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as an iconic and dignified leader.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, Obanikoro said the traditional ruler’s passing brought more grief as it occurred on the same day former President Muhammadu Buhari died.
He praised the traditional ruler’s 65-year reign, which he said was marked by unwavering duty, honour and selfless service to his people.
“He paid detailed and particular attention to the growth and development of his people ,both individually and collectively,” Obanikoro said.
Obanikoro, also a former Minster of State for Defence, said that the king embodied integrity.
Awujale, a symbol of unity, cultural preservation, says Bello
A former Kogi governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has described the late Oba Sikiru Adetona as a symbol of unity, cultural preservation, and advancement.
Bello, in a statement by his media aide, Michael Ohiare, on Monday in Lokoja, said his reign brought enviable progress to Ijebu Ode and the entire Ijebuland.
The former governor also highlighted the traditional ruler’s role in introducing and popularising the annual Ojude Oba festival, cementing his status as an iconic national figure.
According to him, given the monarch’s age and accomplishments, his passing would be best described as a celebration of life well-lived.
“Oba Adetona’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come,” he said.
Awujale was a towering figure, say Southern senators
The Sourthern senators have mourned the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona, describing him as a towering figure in the nation’s traditional institution.
In a statement by the group’s chairman, Senator Mukhail Abiru, Chairman, Nigerian Southern Senators Forum, the senators said the royal father was more than a monarch.
“Oba Sikiru Adetona was not just a monarch; he was a towering figure in the traditional institution of our country and a symbol of dignity, courage, and unwavering commitment to the progress and unity of his people. “Ascending the throne in 1960, he reigned for over six decades—making him one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning and most revered monarchs.
“A king of uncommon intellect and foresight, Oba Adetona dedicated his entire life to the service of Ijebuland and Nigeria at large.
“He was a passionate advocate for good governance, social justice, and community development. Under his visionary leadership, Ijebuland witnessed unprecedented socio-economic growth, while his profound sense of identity helped shape the pride and resilience of the Ijebu people.
“Oba Adetona was renowned for his boldness in speaking truth to power, even at great personal risk.
“His reign exemplified integrity, courage, and selfless devotion. More than a traditional ruler, he was a bridge builder and unifier who consistently promoted peace and mutual understanding across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
“His legacy is further immortalised in his contributions to education and governance, notably through the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University—a testament to his enduring commitment to nurturing future leaders and entrenching democratic ideals.
“While we mourn this colossal loss, we also celebrate a life profoundly dedicated to service, purpose, and humanity. Oba Adetona leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”
