The Ogun State Government has announced the burial rites for the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land.
“The burial will take place today (Monday) at Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, at exactly 4 pm,” the state government stated.
The revered monarch joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 91, after over six decades on the throne.
In the statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, urged residents of the state to remember the family of the revered monarch in their prayers.
President Bola Tinubu also mourned the passing of Awujale of Ijebuland, describing him as “a towering natural ruler” who served his people with honour, dignity, and wisdom.
In a statement issued from the State House, Tinubu said he received the news of the monarch’s death with “deep pain,” especially as it came on the same day as the passing of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Oba Adetona was a voice of reason during national crises and used his position to promote unity and progress,” the president said, highlighting his six-decade reign in Ijebuland.
He praised the monarch’s contributions to education and good governance, particularly through his endowment at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest,” Tinubu said, offering condolences to the royal family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the people of Ogun State, and all sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
Oba Adetona was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs, serving as the Awujale of Ijebuland from 1960 until his death in 2025.
Born on 10 May 1934 in Ijebu Ode, he came from the Royal House of Anikinaiya and was a descendant of Oba Adeleke and Oba Gbelegbuwa.
The Awujale is the traditional ruler of the Ijebu people in Ogun State and holds one of the most respected royal titles in Yorubaland.
Before becoming king at age 26, he studied at Olu-Iwa College in Ijebu Ode and later travelled to the UK to study accountancy after briefly working in the Western Region’s Audit Department.
During his time as ruler, Oba Adetona received several Nigerian presidents and national leaders including President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016.
In May 2024, President Tinubu honoured the Awujale with Nigeria’s second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), in celebration of his 90th birthday.
