By Salihu Mohammed
Nigeria was plunged into deeper sorrow on Sunday with the passing of the Awujale, the Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at 91.
His death came just hours after the nation mourned former President Muhammadu Buhari, creating a wave of “double sadness” across the country.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun confirmed the monarch’s death, calling it a “monumental loss” for Ijebu land and Nigeria.
Oba Adetona, who reigned for over 64 years, was one of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarchs, celebrated for his impact on unity, education, and development.
The Awujale shared a long-standing, quiet friendship with Buhari.
In a remarkable twist of fate, Buhari’s 1983 coup inadvertently saved Oba Adetona from being deposed by the then Ogun State Governor, securing his historic reign.
Governor Abiodun praised the late Awujale as a “beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development,” whose “wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment” will be deeply missed.
