Nigeria’s traditional leadership has been thrown into mourning following the passing of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The iconic monarch, who began his reign in 1960, died at the age of 90, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history.
Sources within the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode and officials of the Ogun State Government confirmed the news of his demise, revealing that the monarch passed on after a brief illness. However, specific details surrounding the circumstances of his death were still being withheld at the time of this report.
Oba Adetona was more than a king; he was a voice of conscience in Nigeria’s national discourse. Known for his fearless truth-telling, his reign was marked by passionate advocacy for good governance, protection of Yoruba culture, and strengthening of traditional institutions. His leadership style earned him immense respect not only among Yoruba monarchs but across Nigeria.
Across the South-West and the nation at large, tributes have begun pouring in, recognizing the late monarch’s decades of impactful service, his intellectual leadership, and his unwavering commitment to justice and equity. He was celebrated for his annual birthday colloquiums, which drew national leaders and intellectuals for constructive policy dialogue.
One of Oba Adetona’s enduring legacies is the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Governance in Ogun State, a testament to his passion for leadership development and traditional institution reform. The college is currently undergoing affiliation with the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
The Ogun State Government is expected to formally announce funeral arrangements and a period of mourning in honour of the late king. His passing, which coincides with the nation’s grief over the recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has cast a sombre shadow across the country.
Born in 1934, Oba Adetona’s remarkable life was one of dedication, dignity, and deep cultural pride. As Nigerians come to terms with the end of an era, the legacy of the Awujale will continue to inspire generations and remain etched in the annals of