The Life and Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona as He Passes On at 91.

The Life and Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona as He Passes On at 91.

The Nigerian world

The news as it trend.

To many Nigerians, today is a day of double mourning as the nation loses two monumental figures: President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

As Nigerians reflect on the death, life, and legacy of Muhammadu Buhari—Nigeria’s 10th civilian president and 15th head of state—a second seismic announcement gripped the nation

In a deeply sorrowful development, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State confirmed the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, at the age of 91.

The news arrived just hours after Buhari’s death was announced from London, plunging the country into a rare moment of collective grief.

Two towering figures—one a former head of state, the other a monarch of unmatched longevity—departed on the same day.

It’s a chapter of history that will be remembered for generations.

While Nigerians revisit Buhari’s legacy, they are now also coming to terms with the loss of a royal icon whose reign began in 1960.

Oba Adetona’s life was a rich tapestry of tradition, reform, and cultural revival.

Born on May 10, 1934, in Imupa, Ijebu-Ode, he ascended the throne at just 26 and ruled for over six decades, making him one of Africa’s longest-reigning monarchs.

A member of the Anikinaiya royal house, Oba Adetona was educated in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, where he studied accountancy—a rare academic path for a traditional ruler.

His modern outlook shaped his approach to kingship, blending heritage with progressive ideals.

He was married to three wives and fathered nine children, maintaining a royal household that reflected both cultural depth and personal discipline.

His most celebrated contribution was the transformation of the Ojude Oba Festival.

Originally a modest Muslim thanksgiving event, Oba Adetona elevated it into a grand cultural celebration that united Ijebu sons and daughters across religious lines.

Under his guidance, Ojude Oba became a global showcase of Yoruba pride, featuring age-grade parades, equestrian displays, and vibrant fashion—all paying homage to the Awujale.

Beyond culture, he served in the Western Region House of Chiefs, held ministerial roles, and championed education, religious harmony, and infrastructural growth.

According to records, his reign wasn’t without struggle—he was briefly deposed in the 1980s by Governor Bisi Onabanjo, but was later reinstated by a court order

Political tensions and personal rivalries occasionally clouded his rule, but his resilience and dignity endured.

Now, as Nigeria mourns both a president and a king, the nation stands still.

Oba Adetona’s crown may rest, but his legacy lives on—in the hearts of the Ijebu people and in the soul of a grieving nation.

His death marks the end of an era, but the values he embodied will continue to guide generations to come.

Footage / Ojude Oba / Niyi Fagbemi / Ticktock