164
By Myke Agunwa
The remains of the late Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were on Monday interred in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State in line with the Islamic faith.
Pointblanknews.com had reported that Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, passed away on Sunday evening, July 13, 2025, at his GRA residence in Ijebu Ode at the age of 91.
Born on May 10, 1934, he ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and reigned for an astonishing 65 years, becoming one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional monarchs
While on the throne, the late Adetona advocated that at death, an Ijebu monarch should be buried according to the requirements of the monarch’s religion, not necessarily cultural dictates.
Moves by traditionalists, who arrived in large numbers to perform the age-long traditional rites, for the burial of deceased Adetona were rebuffed. They were asked to leave the venue by security operatives that included personnel of the Army.
The nonagenarian and longest traditional ruler in the Southwest was interred in a dome – like mausoleum at his private residence, Ogbagba Court Igbeba, Ijebu Ode around 6pm after islamic rites presided over by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheik Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo.
The ready-made tomb was constructed by the late Awujale himself beside those of his parents.
Eminent Nigerians who were present at the final farewell included the former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as well as Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who joined his Ogun counterpart Dapo Abiodun for the funeral rites.
Also on ground to pay last respect were the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who led a Federal Government delegation that included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Odetola.
Others included the former Ogun Governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba SQEN. Gbenga Daniel; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola; former Deputy Governor, Senator Gbenga Kaka, as well as the Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola among others.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Sen. Daniel saie, “Without any doubt, the situation in Ijebuland cannot be the same again because the people had been used to paternal support of the great grand father, who had navigated the land successfully and the people of this community has no choice than to come together to continue from where Kabiyesi has left off.
“It is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, you have a forthright personality, who can speak truth to all at a time, who can be described as fearless who abhors people telling lies and who is very straight forward to a fault.
“Kabiyesi is not used to anybody who is diplomatic. He says it as it is. At the end of the day, in the course of that, he garnered his own detractors. People have said that he successfully won all the battles. He was strong from the beginning to the end I guess that the testimony as to the kind of life he lived was that he was indeed a forthright personality”.
The mood at the burial ground was solemn yet deeply respectful. While the ceremony was private, hundreds of mourners: a mix of royals, chiefs, dignitaries, and residents were in attendance.
Though the burial was a private affair, the overall event was remarkably colourful and dignified. The streets of Ijebu Ode were adorned with royal symbols and traditional decorations, as thousands of indigenes and dignitaries donned vibrant aso ebi attires and cultural regalia.
Traditional drummers, praise singers, and cultural troupes added rich Yoruba aesthetics to the occasion, blending solemnity with celebration of a well-lived royal life. The presence of eminent Nigerians, including top politicians, businessmen, and traditional rulers, further enhanced the grandeur. Despite the mourning, the atmosphere reflected royal splendour and deep cultural pride.