National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru has paid glowing tribute to late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Ogbagba II, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, describing him as “iconic, visionary”.
The tribute was contained in a statement signed by Prof Ayo Omotayo, Director General, NIPSS on Monday. The NIPSS DG particularly noted the “unparralled and enviable contributions to the development of good governance”.
The condolence message reads: “It is with a heavy heart that the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru mourns the passing away of our father and charismatic traditional ruler, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Ogbagba II. The late icon who joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13, 2025 has contributed immensely to the emancipation of Nigeria into a democratic country that we are all proud of today.
“Kabiyesi Awujale’s unwavering, unparralled and enviable contributions to the development of good governance in Nigeria echoes around the world. A manifestation of this uncommon commitment led to the endowment of the Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair on Good Governance and the eventual establishment of a first of its kind in Nigeria, ” School of Governance Studies” at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.
According to NIPSS, “The resilience and quest of the late Awujale for good governance in Nigeria and beyond led to the handing over of the School to the Federal Government of Nigeria during his 90th Birthday on May 10, 2024. However, the Federal Government, in ensuring that the Awujale legacy lives on, handed over the School to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
“Now (it is) known as the NIPSS OBA (DR) SIKIRU KAYODE ADETONA SCHOOL OF GOVERNANCE STUDIES (NIPSS-OSKASOGS). The School, in fulfilment of Awujale’s dreams, has started filling the capacity gap in governance for the private and public sectors in Nigeria.
The NIPSS DG further said,”The Awujale was a true leader who was committed to nurturing ethical leadership, fostering good governance, and empowering future generations with values necessary for national development.
“Sustaining the legacy of this great iconic, visionary Ruler of Ijebuland will be by making the School one of the best in Governance Studies around the world. This is the least we can do to uphold the unwavering and tenacious commitment of this great icon to good governance in Nigeria.
“We will forever be grateful for his wisdom, guidance, and the unwavering support. His presence was a source of inspiration and his legacy will continue to live on through the work we do, in every staff and participant that walks through our doors, and in every leader who carries forward the principles he held so dear.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, who are undoubtedly devastated by this irreparable loss, the Ijebu Traditional Council, the people of Ijebuland, Ogun State government and Nigeria at large, May his noble soul rest in perfect peace.
“The country mourns you! Ogun State mourns you!! Ijebuland mourns you!!! NIPSS mourns you!!! Adieu, Baba wa oninure.”