Monday, July 13 makes it exactly one year the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona joined his ancestors.
The monarch died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, after spending 65 years on the throne.
He was buried the next day, Monday, July 14, at his private residence in Ijebu-Ode, according to Islamic rites.
The news of his demise came hours apart from that of his friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Born on May 10, 1934, into the family of Prince Rufai Adeleke of the Anikinaiya Royal House in Imupa, Ijebu-Ode, Oba Adetona was presented with the staff of office at age 26 by the then Premier of the Western Region, Chief Ladoke Akintola. He succeeded Oba Adesanya Gbelegbuwa II.
He was married to three women – Iyabọ Oke, Modupe Ẹkundayọ, and Oluwakẹmi Dodo-Williams and is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In 2024, during his 90th birthday ceremony, President Bola Tinubu conferred on him the second highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and selfless service.
They emerged at a nomination meeting presided over by the Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, his deputy Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and vice, Prof Fassy Yusuf, held by the ruling house at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Some of the contestants to the throne include Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, the husband of a former deputy governor of the state, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; renowned Ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital, Dr Kunle Hassan; Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction, among others, while the only female contestant is Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer.
Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde, aka KWAM1, also declared interest in the throne. However, the Fusengbuwa family immediately dismissed his claim, stating that the musician was not a member of the ruling house and therefore could not participate in the selection process.
KWAM1 had approached the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode, seeking an interim injunction to stop Governor Dapo Abiodun and six others from proceeding with the selection.
