The Ogun State Government has formally announced that the burial rites of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, will be held today, Monday, July 14, 2025.
The interment is scheduled to take place by 4:00 p.m. at the Ogbagba Court, located in Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, which serves as the official residence of the late monarch.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, who also urged residents of Ogun State and the entire Yoruba nation to remember the bereaved royal family in their thoughts and prayers as they observe these solemn final rites.
However, the statement did not specify whether additional official ceremonies or commemorations would follow the interment.
The death of Oba Adetona, a monarch of immense stature and reverence, was confirmed on Sunday, July 13, 2025. He passed away at the age of 91, drawing the curtain on an extraordinary reign that lasted over six decades — one of the longest in contemporary Yoruba history.
His passing also coincidentally came just hours after the death of his close friend, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London at the age of 82.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State formally conveyed the monarch’s passing in a public statement issued from Abeokuta, the state capital. In the message, the governor expressed deep sorrow, describing the loss of Oba Adetona as monumental — not just for Ijebuland but for Ogun State and the nation as a whole.
“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland,” Governor Abiodun stated.
“Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has profoundly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria in general.”
Governor Abiodun also reflected on the emotional weight of the day, pointing out the striking coincidence that Oba Adetona died on the same day as his friend and national leader, Muhammadu Buhari.
“It is indeed a day of double sorrow that the Awujale passed on the same day Nigeria lost former President Muhammadu Buhari in the United Kingdom,” he remarked.
Oba Adetona ascended the throne in 1960, and his reign is widely regarded as one of vision, cultural renaissance, and socio-economic progress for Ijebuland. Under his leadership, the kingdom witnessed remarkable transformation, both in infrastructure and cultural pride.
The monarch was celebrated for his wisdom, integrity, and relentless advocacy for unity, development, and the promotion of Yoruba heritage within the broader Nigerian context.
As the people of Ijebuland and the Yoruba nation mourn the loss of a titan, his legacy of fortitude, progressive leadership, and cultural elevation remains indelible.
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