The late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, has been laid to rest, with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, describing him as a pride of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Oba Adetona, crowned in 1960, was the longest-reigning monarch in the country, having ruled for 65 years.
Speaking after the monarch was committed to mother earth at Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, Governor Abiodun acknowledged the enormous development brought to Ijebuland under Kabiyesi’s reign. He described the late monarch as an enduring candour of dignity and a symbol of the Ijebu ancestral heritage.
According to the governor, the late monarch was a lover of education who pioneered the establishment of a professorial Chair in good governance and the upgrading of the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University into a full-fledged campus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
“This historic achievement not only honours the vision of Kabiyesi, but also positions Ogun State as a centre of policy innovation and elite public service training in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa,” Abiodun said.
He further described Oba Adetona as a philanthropist of immeasurable proportions, a generous giver, and a mentor to many.
“Baba was a phenomenon, a monarch like no other. He betroyed the traditional institution like a colossus. His reign was not only defined by his longevity but by his towering influence, deep wisdom, enduring legacy of integrity, generosity, selflessness, progress and peace.
“Kabiyesi was a bundle of intellect, he was principled, he was forthright, he was courageous, he was a philosopher, a transparent and incorruptible monarch, equitable in judgement and deeply committed to the Nigerian state,” the governor added.
He noted that the monarch lived a fulfilled life and played a significant role in the passage of the new law on traditional councils and burial customs.
“This bill was passed into laws and that legislation now gives traditional rulers the freedom to be buried according to their wishes. Not only was it passed into law, I signed that bill in Kabiyesi’s palace,” Abiodun revealed.
“His life was a rich tapestry of impact in tradition, national discourse, education, philanthropy and social harmony. A true champion, a remarkable conqueror, an exemplary servant of the people. Today, we salute this legend, this giant of history and enduring symbol of Ijebuland. I felt it was a fitting tribute to a monarch who refined tradition,” he added.
Governor Abiodun appreciated President Bola Tinubu for conferring the prestigious national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the late monarch, describing it as a fitting testament to his contribution to national development.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, in his remarks, said the Awujale was active and lively till the point of death, adding that the monarch must be proud for having his wish come to pass.
Also speaking, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said living up to 91 years was no mean achievement, while revealing his level of closeness with the late monarch.
The burial ceremony was attended by former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani; and former governors Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, James Ibori, among other dignitaries.
