Prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and convener of The Alternative, Segun Showunmi, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.
In a statement issued on Monday, Showunmi described the monarch’s death as a profound loss, stating that the vacuum left behind would be “difficult to match”. He expressed his condolences to the people of Ijebuland and hailed the legacy of the revered royal.
“Your shoes are very big — only the gods can help fill this mighty shoe you left behind,” he said, reflecting on the monarch’s stature and impact during his decades-long reign.
Describing Oba Adetona as a leader who lived not only for himself but for the collective good of all sons and daughters of Ijebuland, Showunmi drew from poetic imagery to honour the monarch’s memory.
“Oh, the big iroko has fallen. Ajankoro dugbe dugbe, your duty is done on this royal throne, in this sphere. Now you join the ancestors, your ancestors, our forebears. I reckon they will be proud of you for leaving the throne better than you found it,” he lamented.
Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers. Widely respected for his wisdom and leadership, he played a vital role in the cultural, social, and political life of the Ijebu people and beyond.
“Baba Adetoun, sun re, may Almighty Allah accept your soul and forgive your sins,” Showunmi concluded.
The passing of the Awujale marks the end of an era for the Ijebu kingdom, with tributes continuing to pour in from across Nigeria.
