The remains of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, were laid to rest on Monday at his private residence in Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The revered monarch, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91 after a record-breaking 65-year reign, was buried beside the grave of his late mother. The burial was conducted under tight security and supervised by Islamic clerics from the six South-West states as well as Edo and Delta.
Heavy security presence at the burial included personnel from the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun Corps). Armed soldiers intervened to prevent a potential crisis when traditionalists (Osugbo) arrived at the burial venue but were peacefully escorted out.
Dignitaries from across the country attended the solemn occasion, including former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Also present were Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Gboyega Oyetola, who represented President Bola Tinubu; and former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola.
Ogun’s three serving senators—Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), and Shuaibu Salisu (Ogun Central)—also paid their respects.
Governor Abiodun, speaking after the interment, praised the late monarch’s philanthropic legacy and unwavering support throughout his personal and political journey. “He stood by me openly and secretly. In honour of his impact, I awarded the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road project in his name,” the governor said.
Senator Gbenga Daniel described Oba Adetona as a fearless and forthright ruler who always spoke the truth, regardless of the consequences. “Ijebuland will not be the same again. We must rally together to carry on his legacy,” Daniel said.
Hon. Ladi Adebutu, PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun State, also paid tribute to the late monarch, describing him as a cultural icon and a custodian of truth. Olorogun Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu-Ode and the late monarch’s second-in-command, described Oba Adetona as a visionary leader who elevated the Ojude Oba Festival into an internationally recognised event.
In a condolence message, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, mourned both Oba Adetona and former President Muhammadu Buhari, who also passed away on Sunday. He praised Oba Adetona’s blend of royalty, humility, and charisma, and reflected on Buhari’s death as a reminder of life’s transience.
“Death is a leveller,” George said. “Whether rich or poor, powerful or weak, we all end up the same. It’s a lesson in humility for those in power.”
In honour of the late Awujale, the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area announced the temporary closure of major markets including Ita-Ale, Ita-Osu, and Oke-Aje markets. The closure, effective from July 14, was to allow residents to mourn and pay their respects in accordance with cultural traditions.
Oba Sikiru Adetona’s reign, which began in 1960, was widely regarded as one of the most impactful in the history of traditional leadership in Nigeria. His legacy as a defender of truth, promoter of culture, and father to the Ijebu people will be remembered for generations.
