PHOTOS: Osinbajo, Osoba, Dangote pay last respects as Awujale laid to rest in Ijebu Ode

Oba Sikiru Adetona, the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, has been buried at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state.

The revered monarch, who died at 91, was laid to rest on Monday in a private ceremony conducted according to Islamic rites.

Dignitaries, royal family members, and high chiefs of the Ijebu traditional council were present at the solemn event.

Among those in attendance were Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun; Segun Osoba, ex-governor of Ogun; and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Also present were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos; Aliko Dangote, billionaire businessman; Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate; and Gbenga Daniel, another former governor of Ogun.

Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960 at the age of 26, reigned for more than six decades, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.

His burial marked the end of an era for the Ijebu nation, which he led with courage, modern vision, and deep respect for Yoruba traditions.

Though the final rites were conducted in privacy, hundreds of Ijebu indigenes gathered across the town to honour the monarch, whom many described as “fearless,” “principled,” and “a beacon of integrity.”

Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona was educated in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK).

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to the monarch, describing him as a voice of reason in crisis.

Tinubu said he received news of Adetona’s death with “double pain,” as it coincided with the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, his immediate predecessor.

“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty,” the president said.