8 things to know about late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona

Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna, GCON, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, the revered Awùjalẹ̀ of the Ijẹbu Kingdom, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

His reign, which began on April 2, 1960, spanned an extraordinary 65 years, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs in modern history.

Here are seven key facts to know about the late monarch.

1. Birth

Sikiru Olukayọde Adetọna was born on May 10, 1934, in Imupa, Ijebu-Ode, into the Royal House of Anikinaiya.

His father, Prince Rufai Adetọna Adeleke, was a direct descendant of Ọba Adeleke, while his great-grandfather, Oba Anikilaya Figbajoye Agboogunsa I, ruled from 1821 to 1854.

His royal heritage traced back to the legendary founders of Ijebuland, including Olu-Iwa and Ọbanta.

2. Academic history

He began his education at various schools, including Baptist School in Ereko, Ogbere United Primary School in Ijebu-Igbo, and Ansar-Ud-Deen School in Ijebu-Ode.

He later attended Olu-Iwa College (now Adeola Odutọla College) between 1951 and 1956. In 1958, he resigned from the Western Region Audit Department to pursue accountancy studies in the United Kingdom.

3. Ascended the throne 26 years old

In a historic move, Prince Adetọna was unanimously selected by the kingmakers and approved by the Western Region government as the Awùjalẹ̀ of Ijebuland.

He was publicly presented on January 18, 1960, and formally crowned on April 2, 1960, at the age of 26, making him one of the youngest to ever ascend the throne.

4. Historic selection as king

His installation process, which included three months of traditional seclusion, was widely regarded as symbolic of a generational shift in Ijebu leadership.

His charisma and education represented a blend of tradition and modernity, setting the tone for a new era in the kingdom.

5. Member of the Western region house of chiefs

Just three days after his coronation, Ọba Adetọna took his seat in the Western Region House of Chiefs on April 5, 1960.

He was even nominated for the presidency of the House despite his youth, a testament to the esteem in which he was held among his peers.

6. Longest reigning monarch

Ọba Adetọna ruled Ijebuland from 1960 until his death in 2025, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Nigerian history.

His reign was marked by cultural revitalization, political engagement, and socio-economic development in Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.

7. Family

Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna was married to Iyabọ Oke, Modupe Ẹkundayọ, and Oluwakẹmi Dodo-Williams, and he was the proud father of nine children.

8. Death

Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

He is remembered not only for his longevity on the throne but also for his bold voice in national discourse, his promotion of education and development, and his unwavering commitment to preserving the dignity of the Ijebu people.