The paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and spiritual head of Ijebu people, has passed on at the age of 91.
The revered monarch passed away on Sunday, only hours after the death of his longtime friend and former president, Muhammadu Buhari, was announced.
The revered monarch, who ruled for over six decades, reportedly passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025.’
The late Awujale, who ascended the throne in 1960, was widely celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most influential and longest-reigning traditional rulers.
He was more than a monarch; he embodied cultural pride, political insight, and royal integrity.
His passing marks the end of an era for both the Ijebu kingdom and traditional leadership in Nigeria.
Although the Ogun State Government and the Awujale’s palace had yet to issue an official statement as of press time, multiple sources close to the royal family confirmed that the monarch died peacefully at a private hospital in Lagos.
Oba Adetona, a trusted confidant of the late President Buhari, was known for his forthright views on governance, national unity, and ethical leadership.
Their decades-long friendship was grounded in mutual respect and shared conservative ideals, with both men often regarded as moral compasses in their respective spheres.
Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona was installed as Awujale at just 26. Over his reign, he transformed Ijebuland into a model of peace, development, and cultural resilience, overseeing significant infrastructural progress, business growth, and social cohesion.
A first-class monarch of international repute, Oba Adetona championed constitutional recognition for traditional rulers and was a steadfast voice through military regimes and democratic transitions.
In recognition of his leadership and dedication to education, Olabisi Onabanjo University renamed its School of Governance Studies after him in 2021.
Since the news of his death, tributes have poured in from political leaders, traditional institutions, and cultural organizations nationwide, describing him as a rare gem and a father figure to many.
With the loss of two elder statesmen — Oba Adetona and Muhammadu Buhari — within the same day, the nation has been plunged into a period of deep reflection.
Details of burial arrangements will be announced by the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode in due course.
