The remains of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were laid to rest on Monday afternoon in Ijebu-Ode, in accordance with Islamic rites. The interment was conducted by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo.
The revered monarch, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, was buried around 6 p.m. in a specially constructed mausoleum within the Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, beside the graves of his parents. The tomb, it was gathered, had been personally prepared by the late monarch himself. The ceremony experienced a brief, unexplained delay before the final rites commenced.
A host of prominent Nigerians gathered to pay their final respects to the monarch, who reigned for over six decades. Among them were former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who joined his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the solemn occasion.
Also present was the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who led the federal government delegation alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Other dignitaries included former governors of Ogun State—Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Senator Gbenga Kaka, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
In his tribute, Governor Abiodun extolled the late monarch as a father figure, philanthropist, and unwavering supporter. He recalled how the monarch stood by him during a life-threatening accident in London and during his journey to becoming governor.
“He was a father to me in every sense. He supported me openly and privately. In recognition of his legacy, the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road was awarded and named in his honour upon my assumption of office,” the governor said. He added that it would have been a great pain for him to miss the burial, having arrived straight from an official trip to Brazil.
Also paying tribute, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu, described the late monarch as a forthright leader and custodian of culture, whose legacy would endure long after his passing.
Former Governor Gbenga Daniel echoed similar sentiments, describing Oba Adetona as fearless and brutally honest.
“In Kabiyesi, we had a forthright personality who spoke the truth without fear, regardless of whose ox was gored. He was not one for diplomacy—he said things as they were. He lived a courageous life and fought many battles, emerging victorious to the very end,” Daniel said.
Daniel noted that the passing of the Awujale marks the end of an era in Ijebuland and urged the community to unite and continue the legacy of the revered monarch.
Oba Adetona’s passing marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s traditional institution, bringing to a close one of the longest and most respected reigns in contemporary Nigerian history.
