Awujale of Ijebuland buried with honours

Oba Kayode Adetona

*Markets closed  *He spoke truth to power — Daniel lOba Adetona symbolised cultural preservation — Gani Adams *He displayed humility, flamboyance —Bode George lSouthern Senators, SDP mourn

THE remains of the late Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were committed to the mother earth, yesterday, at his Ogbagba private residence, located in Igbeba area of Ijebu-Ode, amid tight security.

Before the burial, commercial activities in Ijebu Ode were at the lowest ebb as major markets in the town were closed.

The Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, who gave the order of the temporary closure, said the order was to honour the revered monarch.

The affected markets include Ita Ale, Ita Osu, and Oke Aje markets  

Meanwhile, torrents of tribute continue to pour in for the late monarch.

Former governors of Ogun State including Messrs Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun; the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams; the Southern Senators’ Forum and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Demcoratic Party, PDP, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to the late Oba Adetona.

The late Oba Adetona died on Sunday at the age of 91 after reigning for 65 years on the throne.

His remains were interred after the Islamic prayer led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Shaykh Miftaudeen Ayanbadejo, beside his late mother’s grave  

Security was provided by men of the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defece Corps, men of the Department of State Services and men of the Ogun State Security Network, Amotekun.

There was a mild drama at the venue, as traditionalists evaded the burial site, just before religious rite was performed.

Recall that a controversial burial rites law was signed by the Ogun State government which gives monarchs right to be buried according to their religious beliefs.

Specifically, Section 55 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 provides a framework for the preservation and regulation of traditional burial rites for traditional rulers.

Traditionalists interrupt burial midway

The traditionalists, who came in their numbers, were prevented by security operatives from the Nigeria Army, who marched them to the gate.

FG’s delegation

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Gboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Tunji Bosun led the Federal Government delegation to the burial ceremony.

Other dignitaries at the burial included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji-Ishola; Senators Gbenga Daniel, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Adegbenga Kaka; former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was represented by his wife; Olufunso.

Others were the 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu; Alhaji Aliko Dangote and representatives of League of Imams and Alfas in South West, Edo and Delta States.

He was a great philanthropist —Gov Abiodun

Speaking after the interment of the late monarch, Governor Abiodun extolled the virtues of Adetona, describing him as a great philanthropist, who can do anything for his friends.

The governor, who described the late monarch as his father, said the monarch stood by him when he had accident in London.

He described the late Oba Adetona as “a royal father like no other, bold, principled, and fiercely devoted to the progress of his people, Kabiyesi redefined traditional leadership in Nigeria. For 65 years, he stood tall as a custodian of history, culture, and integrity.

“He was a great philanthropist, whose voice resonated far beyond Ijebuland, speaking truth to power, mentoring generations, instituting legacies and shaping public discourse with clarity and courage.”

Abiodun, who came to the burial venue from Brazil, said it would have pained him if the late Kabiyesi, was buried in his absence.

Also speaking, former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, commended the forthright leadership of the late Oba Adetona, describing him as a fearless monarch who never shield from speaking truth to power.

Daniel said: “I think it is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, you have a personality who can speak truth to power at any time and who can be described as fearless, who abhors people telling lies and who is straight forward to a fault.”

Also, a former Governor of the State, Senator Amosun, said: “His departure is not only a huge loss to the people of Ijebuland but to all of us in Ogun State, and indeed, Nigeria." 

In his tribute, Aremo Osoba said: “I can never forget him, because we usually speak at least two to three hours everyday. We normally discussed topical issues since last 14 years.”

Oba Adetona was symbol of unity, cultural preservation — Gani Adams

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the late Ijebu monarch.

Mounring the death of the monarch, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, yesterday, described him as a revered figure and guiding light for the Yoruba race and the nation.  

He said: “The late Awujale was a symbol of unity, cultural preservation, and development for the Ijebu people and the entire Yoruba race. His love for the Ijebu people and the Yoruba was also remarkable.  

“His dedication to the welfare of the people was second to none, which explains the visible development witnessed in many aspects of the people’s lives, including health, education, infrastructure and economy.”

He was an advocate for good governance —Southern senators 

Similarly, the Southern Senators Forum, SSF, mourned the passing of the Awujale saying he was a passionate advocate for good governance, social justice, and community development.  

The SSF, in a statement by its chairman, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, said: “It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I, on behalf of the Southern Senators Forum, mourn the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who joined his ancestors at the remarkable age of 91.

“Oba Sikiru Adetona was not just a monarch; he was a towering figure in the traditional institution of our country and a symbol of dignity, courage, and unwavering commitment to the progress and unity of his people. Ascending the throne in 1960, he reigned for over six decades—making him one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning and most revered monarchs.

“A king of uncommon intellect and foresight, Oba Adetona dedicated his entire life to the service of Ijebuland and Nigeria at large. He was a passionate advocate for good governance, social justice, and community development. 

“Oba Adetona was renowned for his boldness in speaking truth to power, even at great personal risk. His reign exemplified integrity, courage, and selfless devotion. More than a traditional ruler, he was a bridge builder and unifier who consistently promoted peace and mutual understanding across Nigeria’s diverse communities.

“While we mourn this colossal loss, we also celebrate a life profoundly dedicated to service, purpose, and humanity. Oba Adetona leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Awujale displayed humility, flamboyance  —Bode George

On his part, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, said the Awujale displayed humility while he was alive.

George, in a statement, also described the late monarch as a formidable leader who protected the name of the Ijebu, home and abroad, and projected their image.

He said: “I was in Form 1 at Ijebu-Ode  Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode in 1960  when the 26-year-old Prince returned to Nigeria to be crowned as the Awujale of Ijebuland.  

“With my classmates, we lined up along the road leading to Itoro Hall where the coronation took place.

From that day in 1960 to July 13, 2025 when he joined his ancestors, Oba Adetona, displayed humility, flamboyance, panache, royalty, dignity, class, honour, colour, energetic style and boldness in his interaction with his subjects, governments and people in the Diaspora.

“When I was appointed as military governor of old Ondo State by General Ibrahim Babangida and I met Kabiyesi, I narrated how, as small school boys, we lined up the road to Itoro Hall for his coronation. He burst out laughing. Till he died, Oba Adetona was a father figure to me.

“I want to thank God for preserving his life to live to be a nonagenarian."

Oba Adetona was a formidable leader and monarch who protected the name of the Ijebu, home and abroad, and projected their image.

“The annual Ojude-Oba event became a reference point for others, thanks to the creativity, dynamism and connections of Oba Adetona. I remember when he had an issue with the late Governor Olabisi Onabanjo, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had to intervene and he was grateful.

 “His death is a huge loss. I pray that God will grant him eternal repose and comfort his family and Ijebu people worldwide.” 

In his tribute, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday, described the late Oba Adetona as an unrepentant proponent of peace, stability and unity.

Senator Bamidele, in a statement by hisn Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, condoled the Anikilaya Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, the entire people of Ijebu Kingdom as well as the government and people of Ogun State over the passage of the highly revered monarch.

The lawmaker said that the monarch “lived and worked for the development, peace and unity not only of Ijebu Kingdom, Ogun State or South-west, but indeed of our fatherland at large.”  

Culled from Vanguard