Yoruba Monarch and the paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has joined his ancestors at the age of 91.
The Ogun State government officially confirmed the monarch’s passing in a statement issued late on Sunday night. Born on May 10, 1934, into the Anikinaiya Royal House of Ijebuland, Oba Adetona breathed his last on Sunday, July 13, 2025, marking the end of a reign that spanned over six decades. He is the longest reigning monarch in the country.
The loss of the Awujale is a big one to Yorubaland which stretches across parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Various Obas rule the tribe. Obas wield significant cultural authority. Among these numerous kings, a select few stand out as paramount monarchs, holding widespread respect and influence across the entire Yoruba nation.
These “Big Five” paramount rulers include the Ooni of Ife. He is the spiritual head and custodian of the entire Yoruba race. His base in Ile-Ife is the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
The Alaafin of Oyo represents the historical might of the Oyo Empire, while the Oba of Benin, despite his kingdom’s geographic separation from modern Yorubaland, maintains deep cultural ties and immense prestige due to his dynasty’s origins in Ile-Ife.
Rounding out the most prominent paramount rulers are the Awujale of Ijebuland, who governs a kingdom with a unique history and strong independent spirit, and the Alake of Egbaland, a powerful voice for the Egba people in the historic city of Abeokuta.
These five monarchs are highly influencial. They embody the cultural heritage and traditional leadership within their respective domains. Their roles extend beyond mere governance, serving as crucial links to ancestral customs and the collective identity of their people.
The death of the Awujale of Ijebu land sends a shock across Yorubaland. It marks the end of an era, and signalling the begining of another.
A Private Yet Revered Yoruba Burial
The burial rites were in accordance with Islamic traditions. He was buried at the Oba’s Igbeba Court residence in Ijebu-Ode. The ceremony reflects his lifelong advocacy that traditional rulers should be buried in line with their personal beliefs. The event was a relatively private affair, attended by close family members, palace chiefs, and select dignitaries.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun led the official delegation, offering heartfelt tributes. Other notable figures in attendance included: Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, business magnate Aliko Dangote and Fuji music legend K1 De Ultimate.
Despite the private nature of the ceremony, hundreds of Ijebu community members lined the streets in solidarity, paying their respects to a monarch whose influence extended far beyond his kingdom in Yoruba land.
Described as a “modern monarch with a fearless voice,” Oba Adetona’s six-decade reign left an indelible mark on governance. He also spearheaded cultural revival, and philanthropy. The burial took place at approximately 6 PM in a mausoleum he had constructed on his palace grounds. His burial was a culturally rich, yet intimate Islamic ceremony graced by key political figures.
A Reign That Shaped History
Oba Adetona reigned from April 2, 1960, until his passing on July 13, 2025. This makes him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarchs. He was respected in Ijebuland and across Nigeria. With his demise, the process to select the next Awujale has commenced, with the Fusengbuwa ruling house expected to produce his successor.
The Awujale is not merely a political leader but also the spiritual and cultural custodian of the Ijebu people. He is also a pillar of the Yoruba tribe as a whole. Seen as a bridge between the living and the ancestors, the monarch upholds traditions, customs, and the well-being of his subjects. Festivals like the annual Ojude Oba—where various groups pay homage to the king—symbolize unity and cultural preservation.
The Awujale serves as the central unifying authority. This comes especially as the Ijebu people are divided into various divisions. His presence reinforces their collective identity and shared heritage, making him the rallying point for the entire community.
While deeply rooted in tradition, the Awujale’s role has evolved to embrace modernity. The late Oba Adetona was a champion of both cultural preservation and religious freedom. He fought for traditional rulers to be buried according to their faith. This is a progressive stance that demonstrated his ability to balance tradition with contemporary values.
The Awujale Of Ijebu Land, A Voice for the Yoruba People, A Beacon To The World
The Awujale is a vocal advocate for his Yoruba people. Monarchs like Oba Adetona played pivotal roles in driving development initiatives, including microfinance and poverty alleviation programs. They also transformed cultural events into global brands and served as moral compasses in addressing leadership and societal issues.
One of the most fascinating aspects of his reign is his preservation of the clan’s connection to the legendary Queen of Sheba. She called Bilikisu Sungbo in Ijebu land. Ijebu oral tradition suggests that the biblical Queen of Sheba was an Ijebu noblewoman. Furthermore, Sungbo’s Eredo, a vast network of defensive earthworks often compared to the Great Wall of China.
Also, a revered site in Oke-Eri, near Ijebu-Ode, is her burial place, attracting pilgrims from various faiths. Some narratives even claim that after her visit to King Solomon, her people “broke away” to form the Ijebu clan.
While historical evidence may not conclusively link the biblical Queen of Sheba to Nigeria, the legend holds profound significance for the Ijebu people. It instills in them a deep sense of pride. It connects their history to a globally renowned figure and suggesting their ancestors were part of monumental historical events.
More On The Connections With The Queen Of Sheba
This narrative also explains the existence of structures like the Sungbo’s Eredo, elevating the achievements of their forebears. More importantly, it provides the Ijebu with a unique cultural identity. It distinguishes them from other Yoruba subgroups who primarily trace their origins to Ile-Ife.
For the Ijebu, the Bilikisu Sungbo legend is more than folklore—it is a cornerstone of their self-understanding. It showcases how communities craft narratives to define their past, assert their significance, and carve out their place in history.
The Succession Process Begins
With the passing of Oba Adetona, the process to select a new Awujale has officially commenced. The selection is according to Ijebu traditional laws and customs. The key steps in the selection process to crown the next Awujale includes:
- Traditional Rites and Announcement
The immediate aftermath of the Awujale’s death involves traditional rites, including the beating of the Gbedu drums. This act not only signifies mourning but also officially signals that the next ruling house must present a candidate. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House has already begun this drumming, indicating their readiness to produce the next monarch.
- The Rotational System
The selection follows a strict rotational system among four recognized ruling houses: Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa. Since Oba Adetona hailed from the Anikinaiya Ruling House, it is now the turn of Fusengbuwa to present a candidate.
- Family Nomination
The Fusengbuwa family will hold a meeting to nominate one or more candidates. While the candidate is typically a male member, traditional law allows for succession through the female line if no suitable male candidate is available.
More On The Selection Process Of The Yoruba Monarch
- Kingmakers’ Decision
Those chosen are presented to the “Odis”. The Odis are one of the four principal classes of kingmakers. The Odis will then submit the name(s) to a larger council of 13 recognized kingmakers. These kingmakers chiefs from the Ilamuren, Odi, Osugbo, and Pampa classes. The final decision must be unanimous.
- Ifa Oracle’s Guidance
Traditional divination through the Ifa oracle will play a crucial role in ensuring the chosen candidate aligns with ancestral wisdom.
- Government’s Role
While the process is primarily traditional, the local government affirms the legitimacy of the ruling houses and ensures adherence to established protocols. The head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has urged the state government not to interfere, emphasizing the importance of tradition.
In addition, the Ijebu people will observe a period of mourning before the new monarch is crowned. This includes an eighth-day prayer ceremony. This period allows for reflection and a dignified transition, honoring the legacy of the late Awujale.
The Awujale Of Ijebu Land:A Monarch for the Ages
Finally, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s reign was one of vision, courage, and transformative leadership. As Ijebuland and the entire Yoruba tribe prepares to usher in a new era, his legacy will continue to inspire generations.
The selection of the next Awujale will be a meticulous process, rooted in tradition yet mindful of the progressive values Oba Adetona championed. As the nation mourns, it also celebrates the life of a king whose impact transcended borders—a true icon of Nigerian royalty. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
