By Charles Pemu 
Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State — All roads lead to Ijebuland today as the revered Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, prepares to take his final bow. The respected monarch, who joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, is scheduled to be laid to rest by 4:00 p.m. at his Ogbagba Court residence in Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode.
The atmosphere in Ijebu-Ode is solemn, reflective, and filled with a deep sense of reverence as dignitaries, royal subjects, and residents converge to honor the monarch’s extraordinary legacy. The Ogun State Government, in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, has called on all residents to keep the royal family in their prayers and join in mourning one of Nigeria’s most iconic traditional rulers.
Markets and shops across Ijebuland remain closed today in a coordinated gesture of respect, as local chiefs, community leaders, and cultural custodians make final preparations for the historic farewell.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, reigned for over 65 years, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving monarchs. His tenure brought notable advancements to Ijebuland in areas such as education, healthcare, and cultural development. He is also remembered for championing the global prominence of the annual Ojude Oba festival, which celebrates Ijebu heritage and unity.
Governor Dapo Abiodun has described Oba Adetona’s death as a monumental loss, not only to Ogun State but to Nigeria at large. “We are saying goodbye to a pillar of wisdom, tradition, and progress,” the governor remarked during a condolence meeting with state dignitaries on Monday.
Security has been beefed up around the Ijebu-Ode axis in anticipation of the high-profile attendance at the burial rites, which are expected to include traditional rulers from across Yorubaland, political leaders, and emissaries of the federal government.
The mood on the streets of Ijebu-Ode today is a mixture of grief and gratitude, grief for the loss of a monarch whose influence transcended generations, and gratitude for a life lived in service to his people.
As the clock counts down to the 4 p.m. burial, the people of Ijebuland and well wishers from across the country brace themselves for an emotional but dignified farewell to Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona a royal father whose reign will be remembered for generations to come.