Tributes and celebrations have continued to pour in from across Nigeria and beyond in honour of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, the revered Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, as the nation salutes one of its most distinguished and enduring traditional monarchs.
Widely regarded as a symbol of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership, Oba Adetona’s reign, which began in 1960, remains one of the longest in the history of the Nigerian monarchy. Over the decades, he has not only transformed Ijebuland into a beacon of cultural pride and development but has also distinguished himself as a monarch whose voice commands national respect.
At home and abroad, the Awujale is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to justice, transparency, and the defense of Yoruba identity. His reign has seen significant strides in education, health, commerce, and urban infrastructure in Ogun State’s Ijebu axis — a legacy he continues to build with remarkable energy and clarity of purpose even in advanced age.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, traditional rulers, political leaders, and Nigerians from all walks of life have hailed the monarch for his statesmanship and remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey. He has consistently stood on the side of truth, courageously offering counsel to leaders during turbulent moments in the nation’s history — most notably during the June 12 struggle and various national reforms.
His foresight also led to the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona Institute of Governance Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University, a legacy project that has since become a centre of excellence for leadership training and democratic development in Nigeria.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his tribute, described the Awujale as “a royal father of rare quality whose presence in the socio-political landscape of Nigeria has been a source of stability, wisdom, and inspiration.”
The celebratory events in Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities have been marked by cultural displays, royal homage, prayers, and academic reflections on Oba Adetona’s contributions to good governance and nation-building. The monarch, a recipient of Nigeria’s national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), remains deeply revered not only in the Ijebu kingdom but across Nigeria’s traditional and civic spectrum.
As the people of Ijebuland and Nigeria at large celebrate Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the enduring monarch stands as a towering reminder that royalty is not just a crown, but a commitment to truth, service, and the people.
