By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Sunday, July 13, 2025, was a particularly sad day for Nigeria, as the country lost two of her most prominent citizens: former President Muhammadu Buhari, aged 82, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away at 91.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed Buhari’s death, spoke directly with his widow, and ordered the Nigerian flag to be flown at half-staff nationwdide, among other state protocols.
Just hours after Buhari’s passing, Oba Adetona, the highly revered traditional ruler of Ijebuland and one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs, also joined his ancestors.
Our correspondent recalls that Oba Adetona ascended the throne in 1960 and was widely admired for his visionary leadership and monumental contributions to the social and political development of Ijebuland and Ogun State.
A prince of Ijebu, Prince Adedoyin Alatishe, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief in Yoruba: “Baami Ogbagba agbatewole. Rin wo. Omo anikilaya saagbu,” he said in his heartfelt tribute to the late monarch.
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, confirmed Oba Adetona’s death in a statement from Abeokuta. Sharing the news via his official X handle.
The governor described the monarch’s passing as a monumental loss to Ogun State and the nation.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the transition of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.
“This sad development, coinciding with the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, marks a profound loss not just for Ogun State, but for the entire nation,”Abiodun wrote.
The Governor described the late monarch as a beacon of unity, wisdom, and progress, noting that during his 65-year reign, Ijebuland experienced significant cultural renaissance, infrastructural development, and economic growth.
“His role in elevating the Ojude Oba festival to global recognition, along with his unwavering commitment to education, health, and tradition, will remain his enduring legacy,” he added.
Oba Adetona’s death marks the end of an era for Ijebuland and leaves a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s traditional leadership.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
