A profound silence swept across Ijebuland, Ogun State, and indeed Nigeria, with the news that His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Olukayode Adetona (1934-2025), Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, had passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. His demise marked the end of an era, silencing a royal voice revered for its clarity and courage.

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late monarch, whom he described as a "patriot, mentor and elder statesman." In his tribute, titled “Tribute to a Patriot, Mentor and Elder Statesman — The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land,” Bakare revealed Oba Adetona’s pivotal yet largely unknown role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that "without Awujale’s pivotal intervention, the APC might not have emerged as a political party." Bakare recounted a meeting with the monarch in London after the 2011 general election, where he urged Oba Adetona to initiate discussions between the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), then led by President Bola Tinubu. Upon his return to Nigeria, Oba Adetona convened a crucial meeting at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, successfully brokering the agreement that paved the way for the APC’s formation. Despite this monumental political contribution, Oba Adetona remained non-partisan, consistently supporting initiatives that fostered good governance, strengthened national interest, promoted peace, and furthered the cause of a united Nigeria. Bakare expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a father figure, while also giving profound gratitude to God for a life he described as "well lived."

In a similar vein, the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum lauded Oba Adetona as a royal father of distinction, a custodian of truth, and a beacon of courageous and progressive traditional leadership. The forum, through its President General, Prof Tolani Hassan, and General Secretary, Abdulhakeem Adeleke, highlighted that the monarch’s reign, spanning over six decades, brought immense dignity, modernization, and influence to the throne of Ijebuland and beyond. The statement further described the late king as a bold voice in national affairs, a steadfast defender of justice, and an unwavering advocate for Yoruba unity and cultural advancement. Oba Adetona was praised for exemplifying a rare blend of royalty and reform, modernizing the role of traditional rulers without compromising the essence of heritage. His wisdom, charisma, and principled stance on governance earned him national and international respect. The forum emphasized that his death constitutes a monumental loss not only to the Ijebu people but to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.

Looking ahead, the succession process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland is already underway. Officials have indicated that the Fusegbuwa Ruling House is expected to produce the next paramount ruler. Prospective candidates vying for the throne may have to await mid-November 2025 for the emergence of the next Awujale, as the selection process is lengthy and follows a three-month mourning period.