A tribute by Dr Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, to the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona – the Awujale of Ijebuland: not just a king, but a wise father figure whose humility and personal counsel left a lasting mark on many lives.
Kings, in the true sense, do not die. Even when they physically leave this realm, their legacy and influence continue to shape epochs, define time, and inspire generations. Immortality is the enduring heritage of kingship.
It is therefore inelegant to mourn the passage of those who once sat on cross-generational thrones with dignity and honour. Rather, we should celebrate the gift of their time on earth and reflect on the qualities and gifts that make them immortals.
At 91, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, lived a long and fulfilled life. It is no surprise that much has been said and written about the philosophy and ideas that shaped his 65-year reign.
“Immortality is the enduring heritage of kingship.”
Many notable associates of the departed monarch, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, have defined Awujale’s reign and times based on decades of interaction and engagement.
Reading through the dozens of tributes that have poured in since the passing of the king on July 13, 2025, one finds that the qualities that stood Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona out as a traditional and moral leader are courage, wisdom, integrity, and an enduring sense of service.
When Fences Fell and Friendships Formed
As someone who knew and shared the same neighbourhood with Awujale for over 20 years, I agree completely with the generous sentiments of affection celebrating the life of this great hero of tradition, industry, and destiny.
However, there is a part of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona that very few people, even his close associates, knew — and that is my own testimony.
“Prudence… is also in what we look at, smile and just nod our heads without saying a word or lifting a finger.”
I first met Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in 2005, just a year after moving into my Lagos home. At the time, I was the only resident in the entire neighbourhood and looked forward to welcoming new landlords.
I had gotten the New Town Development Authority (NTDA) to demarcate my plot and set beacons as a guide to erecting my fence. As a young Executive Director at a leading commercial bank, I felt fulfilled.
Everything seemed fine — until one day, men in uniform, with a team of angry-looking workers, pulled down my fence. My alleged offence: encroaching on Awujale’s land.
I was shocked. The NTDA had marked the boundaries during a proper survey. Still, I remained calm. I approached the NTDA for clarification, but they never showed up. Left with no choice, I left the space open, ignoring calls to escalate the matter.
I chose prudence. “Prudence for me is not entirely about what we do, especially when the pressure is on us to act, but also in what we look at, smile and just nod our heads without saying a word or lifting a finger.”
Later, I heard Awujale had visited his plot. I turned around to welcome him and gave him the respect due to a royal father. He asked why I hadn’t rebuilt the fence. I replied that I was waiting to be shown where it should go.
He appeared caught off-guard by my calmness. “The royal father got my message of reverence and affectionately called me his son.”
“You are a good man. God will bless you even more in this land and wherever you go.”
Shortly after, NTDA officials returned and discovered the original fence was nearly accurate — deviating only slightly at the far end. The demolition, in hindsight, had been rash. Still, I took no offence. That experience deepened my understanding of grace under pressure.
A Father-Son Bond Born of Respect
As construction began on his site, I made it a habit to greet him during visits. One evening, after a visit, he called me aside and asked: “Why did you take the demolition of your fence so calmly?”
I smiled and said, “Your Majesty, I came to Lagos a few years ago with just portmanteau, so I am grateful for how much God has blessed me.”
He stood still, pondering, and then declared: “You are a good man. God will bless you even more in this land and wherever you go… You are my son.”
That moment sparked a 20-year father-son relationship.
“A man’s destiny manifests eventually on the altar of persistence.”
On several occasions, I was Awujale’s special guest at the Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode. I relished time spent at his palace, drinking deeply from the cultural heritage he embodied.
In 2015, during the heartbreak of our stolen governorship mandate in Abia, Awujale was one of those most deeply affected. He had followed our campaign and seen the public’s enthusiasm. Still, he never lost hope.
“A man’s destiny manifests eventually on the altar of persistence,” he said. Those words came true eight years later.
After I assumed office, I made it a point to visit him regularly, receiving his royal counsel and blessings. Though I could not see him one final time before his passing, I am grateful for the 20 rich years of his promise fulfilled.
Kings Are Not Saints, But They Can Be Just
I do not celebrate Awujale’s life because it was perfect. No, kings are not saints. But I was drawn to this one because of his ability to admit when he was wrong.
He understood that even a king could act on poor advice, or that impulse could betray wisdom.
“A lifelong friendship can be built from the ashes of disagreements when resolved in fairness and truth.”
What set Awujale apart was this: he never allowed the throne to blind him to his humanity. He could step down from his palace to resolve a neighbourhood dispute. He understood that from the ashes of conflict, lifelong friendships can emerge — when truth and fairness are honoured.
Let me close by extending my deepest condolences to the immediate family of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the people of Ijebu Ode, the government and people of Ogun State, and everyone who feels this loss personally.
Good night, Kabiyesi.
The opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily align with the views of JolibaLive News! or any of its staff members. The author is in no way associated with this online news blog.
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