The Ogun State Government has announced the burial rites for the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 91.
The late Awujale reigned for over six decades.
According to the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, in a statement, said the burial will take place today (Monday) at Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, at exactly 4pm.
Talabi implored residents of the state to remember the family of the late monarch in their prayers.
The State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the late monarch as “a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland. Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development,” whose under his guidance, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development, establishing itself as a model of progress in Ogun state.
The governor added: “His leadership not only enhanced the cultural heritage of Ijebuland—with the Ojude Oba festival attaining international standards—but also solidified its reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and tradition.
“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to our country. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to uphold the values he instilled in us during his illustrious reign,” the statement read.
President Bola Tinubu, in his condolence, referred to the late monarch as “a towering natural ruler and a voice of reason during national crises and used his position to promote unity and progress.”
Tinubu commended the King’s impact on education and good governance, particularly through his endowment at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Tinubu added, “May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest.”
About Oba Adetona, the late Awujale
He was born on 10 May 1934 in Ijebu Ode and hailed from the Royal House of Anikinaiya. He was a direct descendant of past monarchs, Oba Adeleke and Oba Gbelegbuwa.
As the Awujale of Ijebuland, he held one of the most revered traditional titles in Yorubaland, serving as the paramount ruler of the Ijebu people in Ogun State.
Before ascending the throne at the young age of 26, he attended Olu-Iwa College in Ijebu Ode. He later pursued accountancy studies in the United Kingdom after a brief stint at the Audit Department of the Western Region.
Throughout his long reign, Oba Adetona hosted numerous national figures, including former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, who visited him in 2016.
In recognition of his contributions to Nigeria and in honour of his 90th birthday in May 2024, President Bola Tinubu conferred on him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the nation’s second-highest national honour.
