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One of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and highly revered voice among Yoruba monarchs and across the country, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Olukayọde Adetọna, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, has joined his ancestors.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, confirmed the death in a statement last night.
He said: “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland.
“Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91 leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
“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.”
The governor described the late monarch as 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.
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“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.
He ascended the throne on April 2,1960.
Born on May 10, 1934, into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijebuland in his father’s house in Imupa, Ijebu Ode, his father was Prince Rufai Adetona Adeleke (1902), a son of Oba Adeleke, Ogbagba Agbotewole I (1825–1906), who was the Awujale of Ijebuland from 1895 to 1906. His mother was Ajibabi Onasile, who was from the town of Ijebu Igbo. The founder of the Royal House of Anikinaiya (or Anikilaya) was his great-grandfather Oba Anikilaya, Figbajoye Agboogunsa I, (1775–1854) who reigned from 1821 to 1854, and who himself was a son of Oba Gbelegbuwa. As a member of the Royal House of Anikinaiya, his paternal family claimed descent from Olu-Iwa, the semi-legendary first Awujale and Obanta, another founder of the Ijebu kingdom.
Prince Adetọna attended various Baptist Schools, Ereko, Ijebu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo; and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu-Ode between 1943 and 1950. For his secondary education, he attended Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutọla) College, Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956. Between 1957 and 1958 he took up an appointment with the then Audit Department of the Western Region, Ibadan.
The prince resigned his appointment in 1958 to pursue further studies in accountancy in the United Kingdom, which was the colonial ruler of Nigeria at the time.
