Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona bio, age, children, wives, the legendary Awujale of Ijebuland, reigned 65 years, other updates
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona biography, age, offspring, spouses, the iconic Awujale of Ijebuland, reigned for 65 years.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the esteemed Awujale and chief ruler of Ijebuland, departed from this life on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. His passing signified the conclusion of a remarkable reign that lasted more than 65 years, establishing him as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarchs. His time on the throne was highlighted by modernization and the elevation of the Ojude Oba festival to international recognition.
Who is Oba Sikiru Adetona?
Ọba Sikiru Olukayọde Adetọna, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, was born on May 10, 1934, into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijẹbuland in his father’s home in Imupa, Ijebu Ode. He was an esteemed traditional leader who served as the Awujale of Ijebuland for over sixty years. He pursued Accountancy studies in the United Kingdom prior to being summoned back home to take up the throne of his ancestors.
His father was Prince Rufai Adetọna Adeleke (born c. 1902), a descendant of Ọba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (c. 1825–1906), who held the title of Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 to 1906. His mother was Ajibabi Ọnaṣile, hailing from the town of Ijebu Igbo.
Late Sikiru Kayode Adetona Age: How Old Was Awujale When He Became King?
Having been born on May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona took the throne on April 2, 1960. Therefore, he was 26 years old when he assumed the position of Awujale of Ijebuland in 1960. His early rise to the throne at such a young age was exceptional and contributed to his remarkable 65-year reign.
Life Event
Date
Age
Birth
May 10, 1934
–
Ascension to the Throne
April 2, 1960
26 years
Death
July 13, 2025
91 years
Length of Reign
1960-2025
65 years
How Many Wives Does Awujale Have?
Oba Sikiru Adetona had three spouses and nine offspring. He was married to three wives: Iyabọ Oke, Modupe Ẹkundayọ, and Oluwakẹmi Dodo-Williams. He engaged in polygamy, a practice widely accepted in Yoruba traditional culture, particularly amongst royalty.
Awujale of Ijebuland Wives
The three wives of Oba Sikiru Adetona included:
Wife Name
Status
Iyabọ Oke
Wife
Modupe Ẹkundayọ
Wife
Oluwakẹmi Dodo-Williams
Wife
These three queens were pivotal in supporting the monarch throughout his extensive reign and were essential to the royal household of Ijebuland. They played significant roles in the cultural and ceremonial dimensions of the kingdom.
Awujale Children
Oba Sikiru Adetona had three wives and nine children, leaving behind a lineage of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also a proud grandfather. The precise names and details of all nine children are not comprehensively recorded in the available materials, but they symbolize the continuation of the royal lineage of the Anikinaiya dynasty.
Awujale of Ijebu History
The establishment of the Awujale can be traced 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 ruled from 1821 to 1854. His grandfather, Ọba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (c. 1825–1906), served as the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 to 1906.
The Awujale is the chief ruler of the Ijebu people, one of the major Yoruba sub-groups located in southwestern Nigeria. The title holds significant cultural, spiritual, and political importance within both Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
Historical Timeline of Late Oba Sikiru Adetona’s Reign
Year
Event
1934
Born in Imupa, Ijebu Ode
1960
Took the throne as Awujale at age 26
1960-2025
Reigned for 65 years
2025
Died on July 13 at age 91
Throughout his rule, he was a symbol of unity, cultural heritage, and forward-thinking development. His commitment to the welfare of his community and his dedication to the progress of Ijebuland remained steadfast.
Oba Sikiru Adetona’s Children and Names
Though the exact names of all nine children are not fully captured in the available files, Oba Sikiru Adetona fathered three wives and a total of nine children. His first son, Prince Adedire Adetona, has gained notable prominence.
