President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep pains as of one of Nigeria’s most outstanding, foremost, and revered traditional rulers in Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has joined his ancestors after over 65 remarkable years on the throne.
Oba Adetona died on Sunday July 13, 2025 at the age of 91 years.
In a statement personally signed by President Tinubu, he said that he received the news of the death of the first class monarch with double pain shortly after the news of the death of his predecessor in office, former President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR). He added that the passing of Oba Adetona has left a huge vacuum within the traditional institution in the country
:I received the news of this transition Sunday night with double pain in my heart as it coincided with the passing of my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. The demise of Oba Adetona has left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.
“During his remarkable reign that witnessed tremendous progress and development in Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebuland, Oba Adetona provided uncompromising leadership to his people.
In his over six decades on the throne, ascending at 26, Oba Adetona used his role as a foremost ruler to advance the cause of progress and national unity. In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason.
I enjoyed an excellent personal relationship with Kabiyesi. I will forever cherish our time together.
He was an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering.”
Oba Adetona’s sterling qualities of service, philanthropy, investment in education, and research through the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, will be enduring monuments in his memory.
The president who extended his condolences to the family f the late monarch, the governor and people of Ogun state also prayed for repose of the soul of the departed monarch
“As the nation mourns Oba Adetona’s passing, I extend my condolences to the family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government, the people of Ogun State, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service.” Tinubu wrote.
