The remains of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were on Monday laid to rest at his private residence in Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, beside the grave of his late mother. The 91-year-old monarch, who reigned for over 65 years, was buried according to Islamic rites in a solemn ceremony attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria.
The funeral, which was conducted under tight security, drew Islamic clerics from all six South-West states as well as Edo and Delta states. Security was provided by personnel from the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Ogun State’s Amotekun Corps.
Dignitaries in attendance included former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Gboyega Oyetola, who represented President Bola Tinubu; and Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Also present were former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola; and Ogun’s three serving senators Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), Solomon Yayi (Ogun West), and Shuaibu Salisu (Ogun Central).
Security personnel intervened promptly to prevent tension when traditional worshippers, known as Osugbo, stormed the burial venue during the ceremony. They were peacefully escorted out of the premises by armed soldiers.
Tributes Pour In
Governor Abiodun, in his tribute, described Oba Adetona as a generous leader and a steadfast supporter throughout his life.
“He was a great philanthropist who would do anything for his friends,” Abiodun said. “He was a reliable father to his people. He stood by me when I had an accident in London and supported me openly and privately during my political journey.”
The governor also noted that he honored the late monarch by naming the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road after him upon assuming office.
Senator Gbenga Daniel hailed the monarch as a fearless and forthright leader:
“It is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, you had a forthright personality one who spoke truth to all at any time. He abhorred lies and was very straightforward.”
He added: “Kabiyesi said it as it was, regardless of whose ox was gored. Through that, he may have garnered detractors, but he won all his battles and remained strong till the end.”
Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, said the Awujale’s legacy would endure:
“He was a custodian of our culture and a man who always spoke the truth.”
Olorogun Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja and second-in-command to the late king, described him as a monarch who elevated Ijebuland on the global stage through his passion for cultural heritage, especially the annual Ojude Oba Festival.
Reflections from National Figures
Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, paid tribute to both Oba Adetona and former President Muhammadu Buhari, who also passed away on Sunday.
On Adetona, George remarked:
“He displayed humility, flamboyance, panache, royalty, dignity, class, honour, colour, energetic style, and boldness in his interactions with subjects and governments alike.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s death, George said:
“Death has a humbling power. It eliminates all advantages and disadvantages. In that moment, you realize all men are the same rich or poor, powerful or weak. It is un-African to mock the dead, and only God is the true judge.”
He added: “Life is transient. The power you wield today is temporary. The only permanent power belongs to God Almighty.”
Markets Closed in Honour of Late Monarch
In a related development, the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area ordered the temporary closure of major markets in the area as a mark of respect for the late monarch. Affected markets include Ita-Ale, Ita-Osu, and Oke-Aje.
The council chairman, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, in a statement, said the closure which took effect from July 14 was in line with local traditions and aimed at giving all sons and daughters of Ijebuland the opportunity to mourn the revered king.
