CITIZENS COMPASS—One of the longest serving monarchs in Nigeria particularly the Yorubaland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State, has joined his ancestors.
He joined his ancestors on Sunday at the age of 91 having reigned for 65 years.
He ascended to the throne of his fire fathers on April 2, 1960.
His reign was marked by significant contributions to the development and unity of Ijebuland, as well as his role in promoting Nigerian culture and traditions.
Some notable achievements of his reign include; cultural stewardship, reviving and promoting the Ojude Oba festival, a major cultural event in Ijebuland.
– Peacekeeping: Maintaining peace and stability in Ijebuland during his 65-year reign
– Advocacy for Unity and Progress: Encouraging his people to excel and promoting national unity and development
– Political Influence: Playing an active role in national affairs and advising political leaders
The monarch joined his ancestors on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of Muhammadu Buhari, his longtime friend and former president.
Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history.
His friendship with Buhari dated back to the 1980s and was cemented under extraordinary circumstances.
In 1983, just before Buhari’s military coup, Olabisi Onabanjo, then Ogun state governor, had already signed a formal order deposing Adetona. The removal was scheduled to take effect on January 2, 1984.
But the coup of December 31, 1983 — which toppled Nigeria’s civilian government — halted the plan. Buhari’s intervention inadvertently preserved Awujale’s reign.
