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He has been on the throne for over 64 years.

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom, was installed as king on April 2, 1960, just months before Nigeria gained independence.

If there’s a king whose reign has stood the test of time, it has to be Oba Adetona. He has been on the throne for over 64 years, making him the longest-serving traditional ruler in the country and one of the most respected monarchs in all of Africa. At 90 years old, the king has redefined what it means to be a royal leader in modern Nigeria.

Oba Adetona is from the Anikinaiya royal house and was born on May 10, 1934, in Ijebu Ode. His early education took him through Baptist Schools in Ereko, Ijebu-Ode, Ogbere United Primary School, and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, all within Ijebuland. For his secondary education, he attended the Olu-Iwa College (now Adeola Odutola College) from 1951 to 1956.

As proof of his intellect and ambition, he worked briefly with the Audit Department of the Western Region in Ibadan before resigning in 1958 to study accountancy in the United Kingdom—a rare feat for many at the time.

From Prince To King

Though he was one of six nominees presented by the ODIS (Ojude Oba Descendants' Society), Oba Adetona was unanimously selected by the kingmakers, and the governor of the Western Region at the time signed his Instrument of Office, officially recognising him as the Awujale of Ijebuland at only twenty-six years old.

Following tradition, he went into customary seclusion at the Odo for three months. His official presentation as king was made by Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, the then Head of the Ijebu Ode Regency Council, on January 18, 1960.

His Achievements?

Oba Adetona’s reign has brought honour, dignity, and integrity to the Ijebu throne. Unlike many ceremonial rulers, he has consistently shown a deep commitment to education, governance, and community development. One of his most outstanding legacies is the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

This world-class institution is dedicated to addressing the leadership gap in Nigeria and across Africa. It stands as a testament to his belief in the power of education, accountability, and service. In 2022, the Tai Solarin College of Education in Omu-Ajose was renamed the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology (SACOETEC) in his honour, a move Governor Dapo Abiodun described as a recognition of the monarch’s immense contributions to education and the prosperity of Ijebuland.

Ojude Oba

Every year, the grand Ojude Oba Festival draws thousands of Ijebu sons and daughters from around the world. They don’t just show up out of obligation, but out of genuine love and reverence for their king. The festival is more than a cultural celebration, it’s a reflection of the deep bond between Oba Adetona and his people, a king deeply loved and respected by his subjects.

Now, 90 years old, Oba Adetona is a father to nine children and continues to play a central role in the spiritual, cultural, and even political journey of Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a heartfelt tribute during the monarch’s 90th birthday, praised the Awujale as a pillar of strength, justice, and fairness, a royal father who stood by him through his political evolution. He said:

"Kabiyesi has remained a dependable ally. He is not just a traditional ruler but a preeminent royal father who brought honour, courage, and strength of character to the throne for over 60 years."

In a country constantly in search of direction and true leadership, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona stands tall as a timeless king whose legacy will outlive generations. Ki Ade pe Lori, ki Bata pe lese - may the crown rest long on your head, may shoes remain long on your feet.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/articles/lifestyle/longest-serving-king-in-nigeria-2025041710141074812

How come we don't know nor hear about him? Nigeria will rather celebrate mediocrity than excellence, people like this should be recognized and celebrated.

For the obvious that he's 91 and still looking younger than Tinubu who's permanently 74 every year, it shows that the thrown he's sitting on recognizes and approves of him, he looks like a good man and it seems he's rather focused on his ruling than political asslicking like many of his colleagues we know, including the anti social media terrorist (I no wan mention name) that's why we don't hear about him.

He is too old for the old picture to be 1960. He is in his late 30s there which should make him close to 100 now. Lie with sense.

Congrats sir. Wish you long life and more reign

The Oba is so fresh.

Kaa bi e si o

Awùjalè Omo Oduduwa !

Ọgbagba Agbotewole !!


Ijebu omo alare,

omo arojo joye,

omo alagemo ogun woyowoyo,

omo aladiye ogogomoga,

omo adiye balokun omilili,

ara orokun,

ara o radiye,

omo ohun seni oyoyonyo,

oyoyo mayomo ohun seni olepani,

omo dudu ile komobe se njosi,

pupa tomo be se okuku sinle,

omo moreye mamaroko,

morokotan eye matilo,

omo moni isunle mamalobe,

obe tin benile komoile baba tobiwan lomo,

Omo onigbo ma’de,

omo onigbo mawo mawo,

omo onigbo ajoji magbodowo,

ajoji tobawo gboro yio di ebora ile baba tobi wan lomo.

Ijebu omo ere niwa,

omo olowo isembaye,

towo kuji to dode,

koto dowo eru,

koto dowo omo.

Orisa jendabi onile yi,

niwan finpe igba ijebu owo,

kelebe ijebu owo,

ito ijebu owo, dudu ijebu owo,

pupa ijebu owo,

kekere ijebu owo,

agba ijebu owo.

Ijebu ode ijebu ni,

ijebu igbo ijebu ni,

ijebu isara ijebu ni,

ayepe ijebu,

ikorodu ijebu ijebu noni,

Ijebu omo onile nla,

Ijebu omo alaso nla!

Ajuwaase ooo!!!

Congratulations Boss.

Armaggedon:
He is too old for the old picture to be 1960. He is in his late 30s there which should make him close to 100 now. Lie with sense.

Ogbomoso age analyst!

Lots of ritual sacrifices would have gone down for this king......

Kabiyesi

.. Long live the king

long live the king. King like this are the true custodian of our traditions which needs to be harnex to generations to come. Tradition is sacred and it must be protected..

TRUTHaDDICTED:
How come we don't know nor hear about him? Nigeria will rather celebrate mediocrity than excellence, people like this should be recognized and celebrated.

For the obvious that he's 91 and still looking younger than Tinubu who's permanently 74 every year, it shows that the thrown he's sitting on recognizes and approves of him, he looks like a good man and it seems he's rather focused on his ruling than political asslicking like many of his colleagues we know, including the anti social media terrorist (I no wan mention name) that's why we don't hear about him.

Trash, How many kings you sabi for your region to start with

Most of the Yoruba 1st Class Kings always reign for long till they advance in age. Some communities have had more than 5 Kabiyesi within this his 60 year reign yet he's waxing stronger managing more people and large expanse of land that transverse Lagos and Ogun States

KABIYESI OOOO . @90,baba is still strong 💪.. A 25/40 years old yoots nowadays luk like 85 years old due to DRUGS/MIXTURES ABUSE

TRUTHaDDICTED:
How come we don't know nor hear about him? Nigeria will rather celebrate mediocrity than excellence, people like this should be recognized and celebrated.

For the obvious that he's 91 and still looking younger than Tinubu who's permanently 74 every year, it shows that the thrown he's sitting on recognizes and approves of him, he looks like a good man and it seems he's rather focused on his ruling than political asslicking like many of his colleagues we know, including the anti social media terrorist (I no wan mention name) that's why we don't hear about him.

The viral pix depicting "Tinubu piss for body " was taken in his palace.

Over 60yrs, wowwwwww

He isn't, at least not when someone like HRM, Obi, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor 11 of Owa- Oyibu Kingdom is still around. He was crowned a king in September 1959. The Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, was even crowned in June 1959.

Long life your majesty.

Vergovert:
You must have the "truth", if you said someone lied.
Please share the " truth" with us.

See: https://www.nairaland.com/8402138/internet-frenzies-tuface-visits-annie

In All Honesty, Traditional Rulers Have No Role or Duties in Present Day Nigeria Situation, They Have Been Corrupted By Politicians, Drug Barons, Yahoo Ritualist, Corrupt Dubious Fraudulent Billionaires. They Have Been Compromised

Armaggedon:
He is too old for the old picture to be 1960. He is in his late 30s there which should make him close to 100 now. Lie with sense.

You must have the "truth", if you said someone lied.

Please share the " truth" with us.

TRUTHaDDICTED:
How come we don't know nor hear about him? Nigeria will rather celebrate mediocrity than excellence, people like this should be recognized and celebrated.

For the obvious that he's 91 and still looking younger than Tinubu who's permanently 74 every year, it shows that the thrown he's sitting on recognizes and approves of him, he looks like a good man and it seems he's rather focused on his ruling than political asslicking like many of his colleagues we know, including the anti social media terrorist (I no wan mention name) that's why we don't hear about him.

How could you hear about him when you were busy selling and taking mkpurumiri in your village in the deep forest of the East immediately after being released from baby factory. Nonsense

TRUTHaDDICTED:
How come we don't know nor hear about him? Nigeria will rather celebrate mediocrity than excellence, people like this should be recognized and celebrated.

For the obvious that he's 91 and still looking younger than Tinubu who's permanently 74 every year, it shows that the thrown he's sitting on recognizes and approves of him, he looks like a good man and it seems he's rather focused on his ruling than political asslicking like many of his colleagues we know, including the anti social media terrorist (I no wan mention name) that's why we don't hear about him.

You started well but ended up saying rubbish.
Do you know how your old age will look like?

He must have seen a lot of things that his mouth cannot say.

Imagine him reigning from nnamdi azikiwe to this clueless bulabalu, just imagine the contrast.

Long live baba the royal majesty

TRUTHaDDICTED:
How come we don't know nor hear about him? Nigeria will rather celebrate mediocrity than excellence, people like this should be recognized and celebrated.

For the obvious that he's 91 and still looking younger than Tinubu who's permanently 74 every year, it shows that the thrown he's sitting on recognizes and approves of him, he looks like a good man and it seems he's rather focused on his ruling than political asslicking like many of his colleagues we know, including the anti social media terrorist (I no wan mention name) that's why we don't hear about him.

Lies, he's been one of the people hindering the progress of Ijebu Ode due to greed, personal interests rather than collective interests, same as the Obama of Imoru, I don't even know why this is coming out now, is it to counter the personal achievements of the Agbors king or what, cos this is peculiar to the Yorubas, jealousy, comparing for just being bitter about the attributes mentioned to the Agbors king

I knew it can only be awujale

Armaggedon:
He is too old for the old picture to be 1960. He is in his late 30s there which should make him close to 100 now. Lie with sense.

.
Instead of u to ignore... U chose to show the world how bitter and ignorant you are.... U be detective and yet you never detect werin make you no dey reason well... Oaf

Zonefree:
Ogbomoso age analyst!

u guys hate being bursted.

Long live the king👑

Funkymode:
Lies, he's been one of the people hindering the progress of Ijebu Ode due to greed, personal interests rather than collective interests, same as the Obama of Imoru, I don't even know why this is coming out now, is it to counter the personal achievements of the Agbors king or what, cos this is peculiar to the Yorubas, jealousy, comparing for just being bitter about the attributes mentioned to the Agbors king

What do you mean?
Ijebu-ode is not progressing? You just want to type rubbish!

LoveAnswered:

See: https://www.nairaland.com/8402138/internet-frenzies-tuface-visits-annie

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