By LaRoyal Global CommunityNews:
His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Olukayode Adetona, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, was born on 10 May 1934 into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijẹbuland in his father’s residence in Imupa, Ijebu Ode. His father, Prince Rufai Adetọna Adeleke (circa 1902), was a son of Ọba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (circa 1825–1906), who served as the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 until his passing in 1906.
His mother, Ajibabi Ọnaṣile, hailed from Ijebu Igbo. The Royal House of Anikinaiya, founded by his great-grandfather Oba Anikilaya, Figbajoye Agboogunsa I (circa 1775–1854), reigned from 1821 to 1854 and was a descendant of Ọba Gbelegbuwa. As a member of this royal lineage, his paternal family asserts a connection to Olu-Iwa, the semi-legendary first Awujalẹ, and Ọbanta, another esteemed founder of the Ijẹbu kingdom.
Regarding his education, Prince Adetọna attended several Baptist institutions, including Ereko, Ijẹbu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke Agbo, Ijẹbu-Igbo; and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu-Ode, from 1943 to 1950.
He completed his secondary education at Olu-Iwa College (now Adeola Odutọla College) in Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956. In 1957 and 1958, he was employed by the Audit Department of the Western Region in Ibadan, where he subsequently resigned to pursue advanced studies in accountancy in the United Kingdom, which was Nigeria’s colonial ruler at the time. On 4 January 1960, a letter from the Permanent Secretary in the Western Region Ministry of Local Government informed the Local Government Adviser in Ijẹbu Ode of the approval by the Western Region Governor in Council for the appointment of Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona as king, confirming his position as the new Awujẹẹ of Ijebuland effective from that date.
Prominent figures in Ijẹbu, including the late Chief (Dr.) Timothy Adeọla Odutọla, Bọbasuwa I, Chief Emmanuel Okusanya Okunọwọ (MBE, KFNM), and Chief Samuel Ọlatubọsun Ṣhonibare, facilitated the homecoming of the King-elect.
His formal introduction to the public took place on 18 January 1960, conducted by the Head of the Ijẹbu Ode Regency Council, Chief Timothy Adeọla Odutọla, marking the commencement of the king-elect’s installation ceremonies. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who had been nominated along with five others, was unanimously selected by the kingmakers in accordance with Section 11 of the Chiefs Law of 1957 applicable in the Western Region.
The Governor subsequently signed the Instrument of Office, which officially recognized Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona as the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland, with the formal coronation taking place on 2 April 1960. Following this, on 5 April 1960, the newly crowned Ọba Adetọna was introduced as a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs.
His charisma led some Ọbas and Chiefs to nominate him for the presidency of the House of Chiefs; however, the late Sir Adesọji Aderẹmi, Ọni of Ifẹ, an older and traditionally senior Ọba, was elected to the position. This decision acknowledged the exceptional qualities of the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona joined the ancestors on 13 July 2025 at the age of 91, shortly after the death of his longtime friend, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
LaRoyal Global CommunityNews: 2025 ©️ Edition
