Nigerians Bid Farewell to Legendary Monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as He is Laid to Rest

The remains of the revered Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were laid to rest on Monday in a solemn ceremony at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The 91-year-old monarch, who reigned for an extraordinary 64 years, was buried in accordance with Ijebu traditional rites, drawing dignitaries, political leaders, and cultural icons from across Nigeria to pay their final respects.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State led the tributes, describing the late Awujale as “a dependable father and selfless leader” who stood by him through personal and political trials. “In his honour, I named the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road after him as a token of appreciation,” the governor revealed.

Other notable figures at the burial included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Governors Gbenga Daniel and Olusegun Osoba, billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, and Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), the Mayegun of Yorubaland.

Dangote, in his tribute, remarked, “Baba lived a fulfilled life—respected, loved, and sharp-minded till the end. He spoke with Governor Abiodun just before his passing.”

Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne at just 26 in 1960, was celebrated as a fearless reformer, a custodian of Yoruba heritage, and an advocate for progress. Former Governor Gbenga Daniel hailed him as “a monarch who never shielded the truth,” urging the realization of the late king’s dream—the creation of Ijebu State.

A champion of tradition and modernity, the Awujale was instrumental in unifying the Ijebu people through the annual Ojude Oba festival and consistently pushed for traditional rulers’ rights to religious burial rites.

Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona studied accountancy in the UK before his coronation. His reign saw him host presidents, including Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, and earn Nigeria’s second-highest honour, the GCON, from President Bola Tinubu in 2024.

His passing marks the end of a historic chapter, but his legacy—of bold leadership, cultural pride, and unwavering advocacy—will endure for generations.

“May his soul find eternal rest,” Governor Abiodun prayed, capturing the mood of a nation mourning a titan of tradition.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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