Oba Sikiru Adetona’s Death Marks the End of an Era in Ijebuland
The late hours of Sunday, July 13, brought a day of dual national mourning. First, it was the announcement of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s passing, and then the somber news that Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujále of Ijebuland, had died at the age of 91 . As governor Dapo Abiodun reflected, the passing of this traditional monarch is not only a local loss for Ogun State but a national void in leadership and cultural heritage.
Oba Adetona’s 65-Year Reign as Awujale
Oba Adetona ascended in 1960, just months before Nigeria gained independence. His reign stretched across six and a half decades, making him one of Nigeria’s longest monarchs. His installation and growth over the years marked significant changes in Ijebu-Ode, which he guided through social, political, and economic change. The deceased monarch, who was born on May 10, 1934, into the royal Anikinaiya house, studied both locally and in the United Kingdom before dedicating himself to traditional rule .
How Did Late President Buhari and Late Awujále Become Friends?
In the wake of their deaths, one of the most significant bits of their history has been Oba Adetona’s close friendship with Muhammadu Buhari. Their connection dated from the early 1980s when Buhari, then head of state, intervened to reverse a decree that would have dethroned the Awujále. This helped preserve his rule and created a lifelong bond.
Oba Sikiru Adetona’s Legacy in Ijebu-Oke
Under Oba Adetona’s leadership, Ijebuland witnessed strides in education, infrastructure, and healthcare. Governor Abiodun credited the monarch’s influence with transforming the area into a model of community development and economic growth. He said, “Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland”.
He further shared how the king balanced the preservation of Ijebu culture with embracing modernization, “Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.”
Across his reign, another aspect of Oba Adetona’s legacy is that he championed the growth and global prominence of the Ojude Obà Festival, held annually in Ijebu-Ode three days after Eid al-Adha. Originally formalized in the late 19th century, the festival languished before Adetona actively revived it in the 1960s.
Under his guidance, Ojude Obà evolved into a theatrical and dignified celebration, drawing hundreds of thousands from Nigeria and beyond. It has become not just a cultural spectacle, but an economic booster, helping both local businesses and providing opportunities for tourism in Ijebu-Ode and Ogun in general.
Within hours of his death, tributes poured in from across Nigeria. Meanwhile, the palace announced that succession protocols under the House of Anikinaiya, one of Ijebuland’s four ruling houses, would be followed. Though the new monarch’s name is yet to be announced, the stage is set for traditional and state endorsement in line with decades-old customs.
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