End Of An Era: Awujale Of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Passes On At 91 — Hours After Buhari’s Death

Nigeria has lost another towering figure of history, culture, and leadership. The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has reportedly joined his ancestors at the age of 91, marking the end of a remarkable reign that spanned more than six decades.

According to multiple sources close to the royal household, the revered monarch passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a private hospital in Lagos, just hours after the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, with whom he shared a decades-long friendship.

Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona was crowned as the Awujale in 1960 at the age of 26, making him one of the longest-reigning traditional rulers in Africa. Throughout his reign, he embodied the spirit of the Ijebu people, standing as a pillar of integrity, royal dignity, and progressive leadership.8

While no official statement has been released by the Ogun State Government or the Awujale’s Palace, the outpouring of tributes from traditional institutions, government officials, and community stakeholders suggests the gravity of the moment for the Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria at large.

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Oba Adetona was more than a monarch — he was a symbol of continuity, cultural renaissance, and political clarity, often voicing candid opinions on national issues, governance, and the role of traditional leadership. He stood out for his forthrightness, especially during military regimes and democratic transitions, calling for accountability and respect for rule of law.

In 2021, the School of Governance Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University was renamed in his honour, a reflection of his profound influence on governance, education, and youth development.

His friendship with the late President Buhari was known to many — a bond shaped by shared conservative ideals and an unshaken resolve for discipline in leadership. Their passing on the same day, though coincidental, signifies the departure of two patriarchal voices in Nigerian society.

During his lifetime, the Awujale was widely celebrated for transforming Ijebu-Ode and the larger Ijebu region into a model of peace, entrepreneurial advancement, and infrastructural growth.

As tributes pour in and the nation reflects on this historic loss, attention now turns to the Awujale’s Palace for official confirmation and burial announcements.

The passing of Oba Adetona leaves an unfillable void — one that echoes not only through the corridors of tradition but also through the hearts of millions across Nigeria who saw in him a leader with a rare blend of humility, wisdom, and courage.