Senate Honours Late Ijebu Monarch, Adetona

The Senate on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, His Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away recently at the age of 91 after a remarkable 65-year reign.

Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) moved the motion, which described the late monarch as a towering figure in Nigeria’s traditional, cultural, and political landscape.

Senator Daniel, himself a former governor of Ogun State, recounted the Oba’s legacy as “a symbol of unity, progress, and wisdom—not only in Ijebuland and Yorubaland but across Nigeria and the world.”

Born on May 10, 1934, into the royal House of Anikilaya in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Oba Adetona ascended the throne on February 2, 1960, coinciding with Nigeria’s independence.

He was widely respected as a modernising traditional ruler who preserved the dignity of Yoruba customs while embracing the challenges of a changing society.

Senator Daniel highlighted Oba Adetona’s achievements, including the global elevation of the Ojude Oba festival, which he transformed into a cultural and tourism magnet, drawing dignitaries and visitors from around the world.

He also founded a poverty reduction initiative that grew from ₦500,000 to over ₦100 million, impacting thousands of lives.

In the educational sector, the late monarch endowed a ₦1 billion professional chair in governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, leading to the establishment of a School of Governance Studies in his name—a testament to his passion for leadership development and academic excellence.

The monarch was further praised for his principled stand against injustice and his consistent advocacy for good governance. Successive Nigerian presidents sought his guidance, and he played a stabilising role during both military and civilian eras.

In 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred Oba Adetona with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—Nigeria’s second-highest national honour—in recognition of his decades-long service to the nation.

Adding to the tributes, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Ogun West) emphasised the monarch’s devotion to Islam, noting that he was born, lived, and was buried as a Muslim, and was regarded as a leading figure among Muslims in Southern Nigeria.

“His uprightness, sincerity, and fearless truth-telling on national matters were never in doubt,” Senator Adeola stated. “He was a revered king, a father figure, and a pillar of truth and justice.”

Following the motion and tributes, the Senate unanimously adopted the following resolutions: “Observed a minute of silence in honour of the late monarch.

“Mandated a high-powered delegation to condole with his family, the people of Ijebuland, and the Ogun State Government.

“Urged the Federal Government to immortalise Oba Sikiru Adetona by naming a national monument in his honour.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, lauded Senator Daniel for bringing the motion and described the Awujale as “an icon and a great name in Nigeria’s history.”