One of Nigeria’s most revered royal fathers, the Awujale of Ijebuland, in Ogun State, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has joined his ancestors. He was 91.
The monarch passed away on Sunday according to palace sources. He reigned for 65 years, a record difficult to beat.
Remarkably, he was renowned nationwide as a royal moral barometer, especially for maintaining a principled stance, fighting injustice and military dictatorship, and staying away from supporting any morally indefensible step by government.
He was widely admired for his courage, progressive ideals, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Oba Adetona was among the few traditional rulers in the country who openly supported the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the pro-democracy movement that fiercely opposed and fought the military dictatorship of Gen Sani Abacha in the mid-1990s.
The coalition called for the validation of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was won by the departed Chief Moshhood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, MKO, but annulled by the regime of Gen Ibrahim Babangida.
NADECO fought the military dictatorship from the Ibrahim Babangida regime to that of Abdulsalami Abubakar’s, to abdicate power by spearheading the protracted pro-democracy struggle that eventually forced the military to transfer power to a democratically elected government in 1999.
Under Oba Adetona’s reign, the Ojude Oba festival in Ijebuland evolved into a globally celebrated cultural event.
Held annually during the Sallah period, the festival brought together Ijebu sons and daughters from across the world, celebrating their heritage and showcasing the rich traditions of Ijebuland.
Until his final days, the Awujale remained politically active and influential.
He recently met with President Bola Tinubu to press for the creation of Ijebu State, a long-standing demand by the Ijebu people to have a distinct identity carved out of present-day Ogun State.
Oba Sikiru Adetona leaves behind a legacy of fearless leadership, cultural pride, and unwavering advocacy for democratic ideals.
