By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, describing the monarch as a towering figure in Nigeria’s traditional institution and a symbol of integrity, wisdom, and national unity.
In a personal tribute issued on Sunday, President Tinubu said the news of Oba Adetona’s death, which came the same day as the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, brought him “double pain.” He described the coincidence as a profound moment of grief for the nation, losing two iconic leaders within hours.
Oba Adetona died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, after more than 65 years on the throne of the Ijebu Kingdom a reign Tinubu hailed as one marked by “dignity, panache, class, and a deep sense of duty.”
“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with uncompromising leadership. His reign brought tremendous progress to Ijebu-Ode and the wider Ijebuland,” Tinubu said.
The President praised the Awujale’s long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s development, calling him “an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile,” adding that in moments of national uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason.
Tinubu also recalled their close personal relationship, noting: “I enjoyed an excellent bond with Kabiyesi. I found his company comforting, his wisdom enriching, and his candour empowering.”
The President highlighted Oba Adetona’s legacy in education, including his investments in academic advancement through the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. He said such contributions will stand as “enduring monuments” to the monarch’s commitment to national development.
In his condolence message, Tinubu extended sympathy to the Adetona royal family, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, the people of Ogun State, and all sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service,” Tinubu prayed.
Oba Adetona’s friendship with former President Buhari dates back to the 1980s and was reportedly solidified during the political turmoil following the 1983 military coup. Their near-simultaneous deaths have been described by observers as a moment of “double sadness” marking the end of an era in both traditional leadership and Nigeria’s post-independence political history.
