Society
How Dapo Abiodun Announced Passing Of Awujale Adetona
describing the revered monarch as a transformative leader
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has formally announced the death of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, describing the revered monarch as a transformative leader whose reign significantly shaped the history of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large.
In an official statement released on Saturday, July 13, 2025, Governor Abiodun described the monarch’s passing as a moment of “profound sadness,” noting that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors at the age of 91, after over six decades on the throne.
“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland,” the governor said. He highlighted the monarch’s role as a beacon of unity, a defender of cultural heritage, and a champion of development and modernisation throughout his reign.
Governor Abiodun also noted the sorrowful coincidence that Oba Adetona died on the same day as former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling it a “double sadness” for the nation.
Paying tribute to the monarch’s impact, Abiodun said Oba Adetona’s reign saw significant progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. He praised the late Awujale’s leadership in transforming Ijebuland into a model of progress in Ogun State, with the globally celebrated Ojude Oba festival standing as one of the cultural highlights of his legacy.
“His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident,” Abiodun said, stressing that the late monarch’s efforts elevated Ijebuland’s standing nationally and internationally.
While mourning the monarch’s passing, the governor urged the people of Ogun State and Nigeria to celebrate his remarkable life and uphold the values he represented. “His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts,” he stated.
Governor Abiodun concluded his tribute with prayers for the repose of Oba Adetona’s soul, describing his reign as illustrious and his legacy as enduring.
