HEADLINENEWS.NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
Sunday, July 13, 2025
A King Among Kings, A Father to the Nation
By Princess G. A. Adebajo-Fraser MFR. HeadlineNews Royal Affairs Bureau
A Chapter Ends in Ijebuland
The royal drums have fallen silent in Ijebu-Ode. The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has passed away at the age of 91, closing a remarkable chapter in the history of traditional leadership, national influence, and Yoruba royalty.
Sources close to the palace confirmed the monarch died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday, July 13, 2025.
A Reign Defined by Dignity, Wisdom, and Transformation
Oba Sikiru Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, at the age of 26, making him the longest-reigning first-class monarch in Nigeria’s modern history, with a remarkable 65-year reign.
Born on May 10, 1934, he hailed from the Anikinaiya Ruling House and was crowned as the Awujale of Ijebuland just months before Nigeria’s independence. Through six decades of political transitions—from military regimes to democratic evolution—Oba Adetona remained a steady voice of reason, peace, and progress.
A King of Unshakable Integrity and National Influence
Known for his fearless candor, intellectual acumen, and progressive leadership, Oba Adetona became more than a traditional ruler—he was a national figure, respected across party lines, generations, and ethnic divides.
He was:
- A lifelong advocate for Yoruba unity and cultural pride
- A close confidant and respected elder to President Muhammadu Buhari
- A royal mentor and “big brother” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who often praised the Awujale as “a king of kings, whose wisdom guided many of us”
“Awujale was a monarch like no other—fierce in truth, soft in spirit, and unmatched in intellect,” said President Tinubu in an earlier tribute during the Awujale’s 90th birthday celebration.
Achievements and Legacy
Oba Sikiru Adetona transformed Ijebuland into a model of modernized traditional rulership. His legacies include:
- Founding the Oba Sikiru Adetona Institute for Governance Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University, the first royal-endowed school of governance in Africa
- Championing private sector engagement in traditional institutions
- Pioneering peaceful inter-religious coexistence in the South-West
- Establishing the Ojude Oba Festival as a globally recognized cultural showcase
- Advocating constitutional recognition of traditional rulers in national governance
A Profile in Royal Courage
Education: Studied at the University of London and received training in accountancy before ascending the throne
Reputation: Widely regarded as the most outspoken royal voice in Nigerian history
Books: Authored the memoir “Awujale: The Autobiography of Alaiyeluwa Oba S.K. Adetona”, a rare and honest account of traditional leadership, courage, and patriotism
Tributes Pour In
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General:
“Oba Adetona was one of the last great traditional rulers who combined wisdom with vision, humility with authority.”
Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo:
“He was a king among kings, the father of modern Ijebuland and a compass for traditional governance.”
Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Governance Consultant, Arewa Odua of Yorubaland:
“Oba Adetona ruled not with fear, but with foresight. His voice was Nigeria’s moral compass, his legacy is Nigeria’s royal crown.”
A Royal Prayer for a Noble Soul
اللهم اغفر له وارحمه، واجعل الجنة مثواه، وارزق أهله الصبر والسلوان
“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his people strength and peace.”
A Throne That Will Never Be Forgotten
Oba Sikiru Adetona lived—and reigned—as a bridge between tradition and transformation. He was the voice of reason during Nigeria’s loudest crises, the moral compass in times of national confusion, and the undisputed pillar of Yoruba royalty.
As the people of Ijebuland mourn, so too does a nation that saw in him the embodiment of royal nobility, political neutrality, and national honor.
Oba Adetona has departed—but his throne remains immortal in the hearts of Nigerians.
Rest in Peace, Kabiyesi.
A o pade l’ese Jesu.
Sun re o, Oba Alaiyeluwa.
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR.
Arewa Odua of Yorubaland
The National Patriots.
Oduduwa Alliance.
Headlinenews.news Special Report.
COMMENTARY.
“The Crown That Spoke Truth: Awujale, Custodian of Yoruba Honour”
Excerpt:
For over six decades, Oba Sikiru Adetona reigned not just with power but with principle. He was the conscience of Yoruba leadership—respected in corridors of power and revered across all royal stools.
Quote:
“The Awujale was a king among kings. His wisdom, candour, and discipline shaped not just Ijebuland, but the Yoruba nation. Nigeria has lost a pillar of conscience.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“Oba of Integrity: The Royal Father Who Never Compromised”
Excerpt:
Through military coups, democracy, and decades of reform, Awujale remained incorruptible. He was the very definition of royal dignity in modern Nigeria.
Quote:
“He was a man of uncommon courage. Even as Head of State, I found in him not flattery, but sincerity. He was the monarch I respected most.”
— Former President Muhammadu Buhari
“The Yoruba Oracle: Awujale’s Reign of Royal Foresight”
Excerpt:
Oba Adetona ruled with foresight and vision. From governance reforms to youth empowerment and peaceful co-existence, he foresaw challenges and guided his people wisely.
Quote:
“Oba Sikiru Adetona was the moral compass of Yorubaland. He spoke not only with authority, but with clarity and truth—an oracle in a crown.”
— Princess (Dr.) G. Adebajo-Fraser, MFR, Cultural Historian and Royal Consultant, Arewa Odua of Yorubaland
“Ijebu’s Crown, Nigeria’s Light: Celebrating the Monarch Who United Royalty and Republic”
Excerpt:
The Awujale stood as a bridge between ancient tradition and modern governance—deeply traditional, yet fiercely progressive.
Quote:
“He reminded us that the role of a king is not just to reign, but to lead, to speak for the voiceless, and to guide politicians with honesty.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“The Statesman in a Crown: How Awujale Redefined Kingship in Nigeria”
Excerpt:
He was more than a king—he was a statesman in every sense. His influence went beyond Ijebuland, shaping national policy, party realignments, and the future of traditional institutions.
Quote:
“In council, he was royalty. In private, he was elder. In history, he will be legend.”
— Princess (Dr.) G. Adebajo-Fraser, MFR, Arewa Odua of Yorubaland
“When a Throne Became a Beacon: The Awujale’s Timeless Leadership”
Excerpt:
Oba Adetona’s throne was not only a seat of power—it became a beacon of culture, intellect, and accountability. His reign taught that royalty must serve, not rule.
Quote:
“He made the crown a platform for justice and the stool a podium for the truth. We may not see another like him in our lifetime.”
— Former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The Crown That Spoke with Conviction: Awujale, Defender of Yoruba Values”
Excerpt:
In Oba Adetona, the Yoruba people had not just a monarch, but a fearless advocate for truth. He never hesitated to speak truth to power—even to presidents and generals.
Quote:
“Oba Adetona was a rare royal voice whose counsel was sought and respected at the highest levels. He stood for what was right, not what was easy.”
— Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria
“A Legacy Etched in Royal Gold: Nigeria Salutes a Monarch of Modern Times”
Excerpt:
As a royal figure who embraced reform, championed governance studies, and modernized cultural institutions, the Awujale left a legacy that merged tradition with transformation.
Quote:
“Oba Sikiru Adetona was not just a traditional leader—he was a builder of values. His kind of leadership is what modern Africa must emulate.”
— Dr. Mo Ibrahim, African Governance Foundation
“Africa’s Monarch of Integrity: A Global Icon in a Local Crown”
Excerpt:
The Awujale’s decades-long reign attracted global admiration. He was recognised not only as a cultural custodian but as a royal diplomat who maintained neutrality and earned universal respect.
Quote:
“The world mourns the passing of one of Africa’s last true philosopher-kings. His wisdom served not only Nigeria but humanity.”
— Kofi Annan Foundation Statement
The National Patriots.
Headlinenews.news Special report
