Presidency, Prominent Nigerians Converge on Ijebuland As Awujale Of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona Got Laid To Rest In Ijebu-Ode
By: Olufemi Orunsola
A powerful delegation by the presidency and a fleet of prominent Nigerians have converged on Ijebu-Ode as the remains of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was buried at his private residence in the Government Reserved Area, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The monarch, who died at the age of 91, was laid to rest on Monday, just a day after the country mourned the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. His death was announced by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, and residents gathered in Ijebu-Ode to pay their final respects to the monarch who reigned for 65 years. The Janazah (Islamic burial prayer) was led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo.
In honour of the late king, all markets across the town were closed, as directed by the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area Chairman, Dare Alebiosu.
President Bola Tinubu was represented at the burial by a Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
Other dignitaries present included Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; former Ogun State Governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; business mogul Aliko Dangote; and the PDP’s 2023 Ogun governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.
Speaking at the burial, Governor Abiodun described Oba Adetona as “a dependable father and a selfless leader,” noting the monarch’s support for him during political and personal trials. “In appreciation of what Kabiyesi did for me, I awarded the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road in his honour upon assuming office,” he said.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel praised Oba Adetona’s courage and integrity, describing him as a monarch who always stood for the truth. He called for the realisation of Ijebu State, a cause the late king championed.
Former governor Olusegun Osoba acknowledged the monarch’s immense contribution to educational development in the state.
In his tribute, Aliko Dangote said, “Baba lived a fulfilled life. He was respected and loved. His reputation, not only in Ijebu but across Ogun State and Nigeria, remains intact. Even in his final hours, he was mentally sharp, speaking to the governor shortly before his passing.”
Oba Adetona was known for advocating burial rights that respected a monarch’s religious beliefs, promoting unity among Ijebu people, and consistently pushing for the creation of Ijebu State. He also played a key role in the annual Ojude Oba cultural festival.
Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona was from the Anikinaiya Royal House and became the 50th Awujale of Ijebuland on April 2, 1960, at the age of 26. Before ascending the throne, he studied accountancy in the United Kingdom after a brief stint with the Audit Department of the Western Region.
It would be recalled that throughout his reign, he maintained strong relationships with Nigerian leaders, hosting former presidents including Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. In May 2024, President Tinubu conferred on him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in honour of his 90th birthday.
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