Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona bio, age, children, wives, the legendary Awujale of Ijebuland, reigned 65 years, other updates

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona bio, age, children, wives, the legendary Awujale of Ijebuland, reigned for 65 years.

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. His death marked the end of a remarkable reign spanning over 65 years, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs. His reign was marked by modernisation and the elevation of the Ojude Oba festival to global prominence.

Who is Oba Sikiru Adetona?

Ọba Sikiru Olukayọde Adetọna, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, was born on 10 May 1934, into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijẹbuland in his father’s house in Imupa, Ijebu Ode. He was a towering traditional ruler who served as the Awujale of Ijebuland for over six decades. He studied Accountancy in the United Kingdom before being called back home to ascend the throne of his forefathers.

His father was Prince Rufai Adetọna Adeleke (born c. 1902), a son of Ọba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (c. 1825–1906), who was the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 to 1906. His mother was Ajibabi Ọnaṣile, who was from the town of Ijebu Igbo.

Late Sikiru Kayode Adetona Age: How Old Was Awujale When He Became King?

Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960. This means he was 26 years old when he became the Awujale of Ijebuland in 1960. His early ascension to the throne at such a young age was remarkable and contributed to his record-breaking 65-year reign.

How Many Wives Does Awujale Have?

Oba Sikiru Adetona had three wives and nine children. He was married to three wives, Iyabọ Oke, Modupe Ẹkundayọ, and Oluwakẹmi Dodo-Williams. He practised polygamy, which is culturally accepted in Yoruba traditional society, particularly among royalty.

Awujale of Ijebuland Wives

The three wives of Oba Sikiru Adetona were:

These three queens supported the monarch throughout his long reign and were integral to the royal household of Ijebuland. They played significant roles in the cultural and ceremonial aspects of the kingdom.

Awujale Children

Oba Sikiru Adetona had three wives and nine children. He is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also a proud grandfather. The exact names and details of all nine children are not extensively documented in the available sources, but they represent the continuation of the royal lineage of the Anikinaiya dynasty.

Awujale of Ijebu History

The institution of the Awujale dates back centuries in Ijebu history. The founder of the Royal House of Anikinaiya (or Anikilaya) was his great-grandfather, Oba Anikilaya, Figbajoye Agboogunsa I (c. 1775–1854), who reigned from 1821 to 1854. His grandfather, Ọba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (c. 1825–1906), was the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 to 1906.

The Awujale is the paramount ruler of the Ijebu people, one of the major Yoruba sub-groups in southwestern Nigeria. The title carries immense cultural, spiritual, and political significance within Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

Historical Timeline of Late Oba Sikiru Adetona’s Reign

Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people and his commitment to the advancement of Ijebuland were unwavering.

Oba Sikiru Adetona’s Children and Names

While the specific names of all nine children are not fully documented in the available sources, Oba Sikiru Adetona has three wives and a total of nine children. The first son, Prince Adedire Adetona, has been particularly prominent.