Professor Toyin Ashiru, Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Mourns Revered Nigerian Traditional Ruler, Awujale Of Ijebuland, Oba Kayode Adetona

Professor Toyin Ashiru

 

OpenLife Nigeria reports that one of Nigeria’s outstanding Engineering Professors and Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has expressed sadness over the death of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland.

Professor Ashiru, who is the Moyegeso of Ijebuland, describes the death of the frontline traditional ruler as “The end of an extraordinary era,” in Nigeria’s traditional institution.

In a statement he personally signed, titled: Statement By The Pro-Chancellor & Chairman Of Governing Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University, On The Passing Of His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, The Awujale Of Ijebuland, Professor Ashiru noted that the late Kabiyesi extended humogous suppots to the development of the institution.

He pointed out, among other things, how the late Awujale “Endowed and built the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies — now a national centre of excellence formally integrated into Nigeria’s policy and strategic training ecosystem.”

Professor Ashiru’s statement is reproduced below unedited

It is with a deeply sorrowful heart that we, the Governing Council, Senate, staff, students, and the entire Olabisi Onabanjo University community, mourn the transition of our esteemed Royal Father, benefactor, and patriarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, GCON, JP, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who joined his ancestors on Saturday, July 13, 2025 at the glorious age of 91.

Kabiyesi’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary era.

Ascending the throne at only 26 in 1960, His Majesty’s reign of over six and a half decades was one of vision, courage, and unmatched dedication.

His profound impact on Ijebuland, Ogun State, and indeed Nigeria, is etched in the annals of history.

For us at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kabiyesi was far more than a Royal Father; he was the greatest individual benefactor our University has ever known.

Through his unmatched philanthropy and foresight, he endowed and built the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies — now a national centre of excellence formally integrated into Nigeria’s policy and strategic training ecosystem.

He gave us lecture halls, residences, the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, and transformed our roads — literally paving the way for academic excellence.

But Kabiyesi’s legacy is not measured only in bricks and mortar. It is anchored on values of integrity, truth, and selfless service. His passion for using education as a tool to nurture ethical, accountable leadership will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.

We will deeply miss his fatherly counsel, his moral compass, and the uncommon energy he brought even at 91 — an age at which many retreat, but Kabiyesi still advanced ideas, hosted lectures on governance and corruption, and challenged us all to do better.

On behalf of the entire Olabisi Onabanjo University family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the Awujale-in-Council, the good people of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and indeed the nation at large.

May the Almighty grant our beloved Kabiyesi eternal rest, and may his remarkable legacy continue to inspire us to build a more just, prosperous, and ethical society.

Adieu, our Royal Father, benefactor, and conscience of leadership.

Professor Oluwatoyin Ashiru, OON, FNSE, FAEng (Otunba Moyegeso of Ijebuland)
Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.