Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has joined his ancestors. The monarch died on Sunday at the age of 91, hours after the announcement of the death of his longtime friend and former president, Muhammadu Buhari.
Adetona, who ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history. His death was confirmed by palace officials and later officially by the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun. Ogun State has declared seven days of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast at public institutions.
Traditional rites are ongoing in Ijebu-Ode as the community prepares for an official funeral and the eventual selection of his successor. Widely admired for his blend of modern vision and cultural fidelity, he championed education, healthcare, and infrastructure and bolstered the Ojude Oba festival’s global prestige. He strongly advocated for formal roles of traditional leaders in governance, playing a key role in preserving cultural heritage while guiding Ijebu-land’s socio-political growth
