President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, describing the monarch as a voice of reason in crisis.
Gatekeepers News reports that a personally signed statement issued on Sunday evening, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Oba Adetona’s passing, noting that the grief was compounded by the coinciding death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said, “ Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.”
The Awujale, who ascended the throne in 1960 at just 26 years old, died at the age of 91 after over 60 years of impactful leadership, making him the second longest reigning, after Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, Onigede of Igede‑Ekiti.
President Tinubu described him as a just and principled leader whose voice brought clarity during difficult national moments.
He said, “ In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason.”
“He was an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without guile. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering.”
The president also highlighted Oba Adetona’s enduring contributions to governance and education, particularly his endowment to establish the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State.
He said, “ As the nation mourns, I extend my condolences to the family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government, and the people of Ogun State, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland.”
“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service.”
Oba Adetona’s reign witnessed the cultural and economic transformation of Ijebuland, with the Ojude Oba festival growing into a globally recognized celebration of Yoruba heritage.
His passing marks the close of a remarkable era—one that spanned the birth of Nigeria’s independence, a civil war, military rule, and the return to democracy.
