* To be buried according to Islamic rites Monday
* Following historic 65 years on throne
The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland and President of Ogun State Muslim Council, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has returned to his Creator, Allah.
He died at the age of 91 on Sunday, just hours after the passing of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, a longtime friend of the monarch.
Muslim News gathered that the late monarch would be buried on Monday, July 14 at Ogbagba Court, Igbeba at 4pm, according to Islamic rites.
Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed his death in a statement personally signed on Sunday night.
He said the late monarch left behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
Abiodun said “It is indeed double sadness that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors the same day that the former President, Muhammadu died in a London, the United Kingdom hospital.
“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland. Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
“Under his guidance, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development, establishing itself as a model of progress in Ogun State. His leadership not only enhanced the cultural heritage of Ijebuland with the Ojude Oba festival attaining international standards but also solidified its reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and tradition.
“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to our country. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to uphold the values he instilled in us during his illustrious reign.”
The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on Sunday at 91, will be laid to rest today.
Also, a statement by Prince Adedire Adetona on behalf of the family said the late revered monarch will be laid to rest at Ogbagba Court, Igbeba at 4pm.
The statement read: “With deep sorrow but profound gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father.
“His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, The Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogbagba II.
“A courageous leader, a revered hero, and a symbol of dignity and strength, Kabiyesi lived a formidable life in service to his people and left an indelible mark on the history of Ijebuland. His wisdom, resilience, and unyielding commitment to justice and progress will never be forgotten.”
The family urged all guests to proceed directly to Ogbagba Court, where condolences will also be received.
Born on 10 May 1934, Oba Adetona was installed as the king in 1960, making him one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria. His father was Prince Rufai Adeto and mother, Alhaja Ajibabi Adetona (née Onashile). As king, he represents the Anikilaya ruling family.
Destined to be an Oba, Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona was far way in the United Kingdom in pursuit of a professional career when the Anikinaiya ruling house from which he descended invited him home to ascend the throne of his ancestors following the demise of Oba Daniel Robertson Adesanya Gbelwguwa ll in January 1959.
Prince Sikiru Adetona was born into the Anikinaiya royal family of Ijebu Ode on May 10, 1934 and had his elementary education between 1943 and 1950 at Baptist school, Eroko, Ijebu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo and Bapist School, Ijebu-Ode.
Prince Adetona had his secondary education at Olu-Iwa college (Now Adeola Odutola College) Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956 when he left to take up an appointment with the Audit Department of the western region of Nigeria between 1957 and 1958.
He resigned in 1958 to pursue further studies in Accountancy in the United Kingdom between 1957 and 1958. He is an Associate Member of the Corporation of Secretaries and chartered Secretaries.
The Government of Western Nigeria approved his appointment as Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland on January 4, 1960.
His instrument of appointment was formally presented to him at the impressive ceremony by the then Premier of Western Nigeria, late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola. Three days later, the new Awujale took his seat at the Western House of Chiefs at lbadan.
In May 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on the Awujale for his immeasurable and invaluable contributions to national development.
Tinubu gave the honour at the 90th birthday ceremony of the paramount ruler held at the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also announced that the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos has been directed to take over the management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance which the royal father bequeathed to the university.
He fought against mutilation of dead monarch’s body
Oba Adetona remained a greatly loved, deeply and highly respected Oba, not only by his people of Ijebu but even beyond. Also, he was a devout Muslim. He was the President of Ogun State Muslim Council.
The late monarch during his life fought against mutilation of the dead monarch’s body during burial by the traditionalists. He firmly believed that a monarch should be buried in line with his religious beliefs, a stance which pitched him against groups of traditionalists in Ijebu, Ogun State and Southwest.
He later pushed legislation in that regard.
While legislative process on the law lasted, traditional worshippers clashed severally with monarchs and the State House of Assembly over the bill, alleging it was an attempt to erode the culture of the Yorubas.
However, more than a year after the delay, the proposed legal framework bounced back in July 2021 in the assembly with slight modification to its title.
The bill was rechristened “H.B. No. 069/ OG/ 2021- Obas, Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council law of Ogun State, 2021- A bill for a law to provide for an approved method for the selection, appointment and recognition of Obas, Chiefs and Traditional Council in Ogun State and for purposes incidental and supplementary to them.”
However, despite stiff resistance from the traditional worshippers, the assembly passed the bill and forwarded it to Abiodun for his assent.
Abiodun joined by the then Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Adetona, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, signed the bill into law.
The bill was signed into law at the private residence of the Awujale in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
In his address, Abiodun said the new law now empowers the families to determine how remains of monarchs would be buried.
Responding, the Awujale said Abiodun has guaranteed his reelection with the signing of the bill.
He noted that both Muslims and the Christians “are grateful to him for signing the bill.”
* With additional information from Daily Trust
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