BREAKING: Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Dies at 91 After 64 Years on the Throne

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Nigeria has lost one of its most revered and longest-serving traditional rulers as Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has passed away at the age of 91. His death was officially confirmed on Sunday, July 13, 2025, sending waves of mourning across Ijebu communities, Ogun State, and the entire nation.

Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in April 1960, just months before Nigeria’s independence, reigned for an unprecedented 64 years. He was widely respected for his wisdom, bold leadership, and unwavering advocacy for good governance, justice, and the autonomy of traditional institutions.

The Ogun State Government, in a solemn statement issued by Governor Dapo Abiodun, described the late monarch as a “pillar of modern royalty in Nigeria” and “a beacon of truth who used his throne to speak truth to power, protect his people, and inspire generations.”

Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona was crowned at the young age of 26 and became a symbol of Ijebu pride and Yoruba royalty. He witnessed and shaped decades of Nigerian history—from colonial transitions to democratic eras—and remained a respected voice in national discourse.

His reign was marked by his relentless commitment to education, culture, and economic development. He was instrumental in the establishment of Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and was known for empowering young leaders and promoting accountability in governance.

Tributes have poured in from across the political and traditional spectrum. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement from the Presidency, described the Awujale as “a royal father whose reign was defined by integrity, influence, and courage.”

Ijebu indigenes at home and in the diaspora are mourning the loss with cultural songs, prayers, and tributes. Markets and institutions across Ijebu towns have closed in his honour, and preparations are underway for traditional rites and state burial ceremonies.

Oba Adetona’s passing follows just hours after reports of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, marking July 13, 2025, as a day of double national loss.

As the nation mourns, the people of Ijebuland reflect on a legacy of royalty defined not by power, but by purpose.