Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (10 May 1934 – 13 July 2025), also known by his regal title Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, was the esteemed Awujale (paramount ruler) of the Ijebu Kingdom in Ogun State, Nigeria. He held this position from 2 April 1960 until his passing, marking a reign of 65 years, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving monarchs.
SIKIRU KAYODE PROFILE
| Name | Sikiru Kayode |
| Real Name | Sikiru Kayode Adetona |
| Date Of Birth | 10 May 1934 |
| Date Of Death | 13 July 2025 |
| State Of Origin | Ogun State |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Monarch/Traditional Ruler |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
SIKIRU KAYODE BIOGRAPHY
Born on May 10, 1934, into the royal House of Anikinaiya in Imupa, Ijebu‑Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. He hailed from a distinguished royal lineage. His grandfather, Oba Adeleke, served as Awujale from 1895 to 1906, and his great-grandfather, Oba Anikilaya, reigned between 1821 and 1854.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Adetona began his early education at Baptist School, Ereko, then moved to Ogbere United Primary School, and later to Ansar‑Ud‑Deen School in Ijebu‑Ode. He pursued his secondary education at Olu‑Iwa College (now known as Adeola Odutola College) from 1951 to 1956. In 1957, he joined the Western Region’s Audit Department in Ibadan but soon traveled to the United Kingdom to study accountancy in 1958.
CAREER
On January 4, 1960, at the age of 26, Sikiru Adetona was selected and approved by the Western Region government to become the Awujale of Ijebuland—the paramount traditional ruler of the Ijebu people. He was formally installed on April 2, 1960. His reign lasted an extraordinary 65 years, making him one of Africa’s longest-reigning monarchs.
During his reign, Oba Adetona played a pivotal role in the transformation of Ijebuland. He was a modernizer who championed education, cultural revival, and governance reforms. He was also instrumental in elevating the Ojude Oba Festival into a world-famous cultural event. His leadership was marked by courage and outspokenness, especially during military regimes and periods of national crisis. He was an early advocate for democracy and was supportive of the pro-democracy movement following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He also established the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where a School of Governance Studies now bears his name.
CONTROVERSIES
Though largely respected for his integrity and wisdom, Oba Adetona was known for being outspoken, which sometimes placed him at odds with political leaders. He openly criticized military governments and was a vocal supporter of the late Moshood Abiola during the June 12 election crisis. His frankness and calls for accountability occasionally drew backlash from those in power, but he remained undeterred.
PERSONAL LIFE
Oba Adetona was known for his simplicity, dignity, and commitment to tradition. He was a practicing Muslim and maintained a deep spiritual life. Though he kept his private life largely away from the media spotlight, he was married and had children.
SIKIRU KAYODE NET WORTH
While exact figures are not publicly available, Oba Sikiru Adetona was believed to be one of Nigeria’s wealthiest traditional rulers.
DEATH
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. His death marked the end of an era in Nigerian traditional leadership. The Ogun State Government declared a period of mourning in his honor, and tributes poured in from across the country. He was buried at his Igbeba residence in Ijebu-Ode according to Islamic rites.