Governor Abiodun mourns Awujale, praising his 65-year reign as a model of unity, progress, and tradition following the monarch’s passing at age 91
Governor Abiodun mourns Awujale following the death of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered traditional ruler of Ijebuland, who passed on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.
His death, announced by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, marks the end of a transformational era that redefined traditional leadership in Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun described the passing of the monarch as a deeply personal and public loss.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, reigned for 65 years and became a beacon of modern traditional rulership, progressive development, and cultural preservation.
“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,” the governor said.
“He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.”
Governor Abiodun mourns Awujale with great reverence, highlighting the monarch’s transformative leadership across all spheres of community life.
From infrastructure development to the elevation of cultural pride, Oba Adetona was widely regarded as one of the most influential traditional rulers of his time.
Notably, the Awujale’s tenure saw the rise of Ijebuland as a beacon of economic vitality, cultural richness, and civic discipline.
Under his reign, the Ojude Oba festival achieved global prominence, drawing visitors from across the world and putting Ijebuland on the international cultural map.
“Oba Adetona was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development,” the governor noted.
His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts.
“His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth.”
The monarch’s passing came on the same day as that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, deepening the nation’s grief.
The two leaders were known to share mutual respect and friendship, and their deaths on the same day are being seen as a symbolic end to a certain era in Nigerian leadership.
Governor Abiodun mourns Awujale not just as a public figure, but also as a man of wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to community betterment.
The governor called on citizens to honour the monarch by continuing to live by the values he championed throughout his reign.
“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to our country. His wisdom and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts,” he said.
The legacy of Oba Adetona is likely to shape discussions on leadership, tradition, and community development for years to come.
His visionary influence was evident not only in Ogun State but also in the national discourse on traditional institutions and their evolving role in contemporary governance.
Governor Abiodun has assured the people of Ogun State that the government will continue to uphold the values that the late monarch embodied and preserve the rich cultural heritage he so passionately defended.
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