Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna (10 May 1934 – 13 July 2025). He was installed as the king on 2 April 1960, which made him one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria. Adetona was a member of the House of Anikinaiya.
The Awujale of Ijebuland and paramount ruler of the Ijebu people, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been buried on Monday at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
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 of the longest reign monarch in Nigeria are former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Ambassador of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji-Ishola, Senators Gbenga Daniel, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Adegbenga Kaka, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was represented by his wife; Olufunso, 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as well as representatives of League of Imams and Alfas in South West, Edo and Delta States.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960 at the age of 26, was widely revered for his principled leadership, deep respect for tradition, and his efforts to modernise the Ijebu nation while preserving its cultural heritage.
His reign of 64 years made him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
There was a mild drama at the venue, as traditionalists evaded the burial site, just before religious rite was performed
It would be recalled that a controversial burial rites law was signed by the Ogun State government, which gives powers for monarchs to be buried according to their religious beliefs, a breakaway from the norms, culture and traditions once practiced
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.
Oba Adetona initiated the bill, hence, his burial yesterday appeared sets the tone for the enforcement of the law.
However, some traditionalists insisted that monarchs are installed according to customs and tradition of the land and as such, they have the right to take charge of the monarch’s burial rites.
The body of the late Awujale in a motorcade was accompanied by staff of the office of traditional rulers in Ijebuland en route to the Igbeba residential Mosque.
As predicted, traditionalists who came in their numbers were, however, prevented by security operatives from the Nigeria Army, who marched them to the gate.
The soldiers had a tough time controlling crowd during the janazat prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo.
Three major markets in Ijebu-Ode were shut temporarily in honour of the late Awujale.
