Tributes poured in on Monday as the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was laid to rest at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The revered monarch, who died at the age of 91, was buried according to Islamic rites in a solemn, dignified ceremony attended by members of the royal family, Ijebu high chiefs, and prominent dignitaries from across Nigeria.
Leading the federal government delegation to the burial were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Gboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Tunji Bosun.
Among other dignitaries present were former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK Sarafa Tunji-Ishola; Senators Gbenga Daniel, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Adegbenga Kaka; former Governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun (represented by his wife, Olufunso); PDP 2023 Ogun governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu; businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and representatives of the League of Imams and Alfas from the South West, Edo, and Delta States.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960 at the age of 26, reigned for 64 years, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers. He was widely respected for his principled leadership, deep respect for tradition, and efforts to modernize Ijebuland while preserving its cultural heritage.
There was a mild drama at the venue as traditionalists attempted to perform customary rites but were stopped by Nigerian Army operatives, who escorted them away from the burial site. This followed a controversial burial law enacted by the Ogun State Government.
Specifically, Section 55 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State (2021) permits monarchs to be buried according to their religious beliefs, marking a departure from long-standing customs. While subsection (ii) of the law upholds traditional practices, subsections (iii) to (v) introduce safeguards that allow rulers to choose alternatives—such as religious rites.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, speaking after the interment, described Oba Adetona as a “royal father like no other.”
“Kabiyesi redefined traditional leadership in Nigeria. For sixty-five years, he stood tall as a custodian of history, culture, and integrity. He was a great philanthropist, whose voice resonated far beyond Ijebuland, speaking truth to power, mentoring generations, instituting legacies, and shaping public discourse with clarity and courage,” the governor said.
Abiodun, who revealed that the late monarch supported him publicly and privately during his political journey, added that upon assuming office, he awarded the Ijebu Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road in Kabiyesi’s honour. He said he came to the burial directly from Brazil, stressing that it would have pained him deeply had he missed the funeral.
Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, praised the monarch’s forthrightness and fearless leadership.
“Kabiyesi Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was a man who spoke truth to power without fear. He was straightforward, principled, and not one for diplomacy. One of the best ways to honour him is to actualize the creation of a new state out of the old Ijebu Province—a dream he long held dear,” Daniel stated.
He noted that of the 24 provinces created in 1924, only the Ijebu Province has yet to become a state, and urged relevant authorities to correct this historical oversight in memory of the late monarch.
Former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun also paid glowing tribute, describing the monarch as a national icon:
“His departure is not only a huge loss to Ijebuland but to all of us in Ogun State and indeed Nigeria. Since ascending the throne 65 years ago, his reign was marked by service and unwavering commitment to his people and traditional institutions. Kabiyesi distinguished himself as a pillar of stability, patriotism, and truth.”
Aremo Olusegun Osoba, another elder statesman, described the day as one of celebration for a life well lived.
“He still spoke with the governor on the phone just hours before his death. We used to talk for two to three hours every day over the last 14 years. I can never forget him,” he said.
Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun State, remembered Oba Adetona as a custodian of truth and culture.
“Kabiyesi was a forthright person who always spoke the truth. His legacy will live long after him,” Adebutu remarked.
Also speaking, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Ode, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, described Oba Adetona as a cultural icon whose global promotion of Ijebuland, especially through the annual Ojude Oba Festival, elevated the town’s international profile.
As Nigeria bids farewell to Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, tributes continue to flow for a monarch who reshaped traditional leadership with integrity, boldness, and vision—leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.