President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers and a towering voice of reason.
In a statement released from the State House on Saturday, President Tinubu said the news of the monarch’s death came as a double blow, as it coincided with the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I received the news of this transition Saturday night with double pain in my heart as it coincided with the passing of my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. The demise of Oba Adetona has left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general,” Tinubu said.
He praised the late monarch’s leadership, character, and unwavering commitment to service, noting that his reign of over 65 years brought dignity, progress, and stability to Ijebuland and beyond.
“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty,” Tinubu stated.
Ascending the throne at the age of 26 in 1960, Oba Adetona was Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional ruler. President Tinubu noted that throughout his reign, the monarch provided firm and principled leadership, offering wise counsel even in times of national uncertainty.
“In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason,” he added.
Tinubu also reflected on his personal relationship with the monarch, describing him as a confidante, honest arbiter, and a source of enriching wisdom.
“I enjoyed an excellent personal relationship with Kabiyesi. I will forever cherish our time together. He was an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering.”
He also acknowledged Oba Adetona’s legacy in education and research, particularly his contributions to the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, which he described as a lasting monument to the monarch’s vision.
As the nation mourns, President Tinubu extended condolences to the royal family, the people of Ijebuland, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Ogun State government.
“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service,” the President said.
Oba Sikiru Adetona passed away at the age of 91 on July 13, 2025.
