I received with deep sorrow, but with total submission to the will of God, the news of the passing of His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ogbagba II, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land. At Olabisi Onabanjo University where Kabiyesi has been our greatest benefactor, this sudden transition is truly a monumental loss to our entire University Community.
Oba Adetona was a quintessential traditional ruler of unequalled stature. He served his people with distinction, dedication and dutifulness. He was not only born into greatness by virtue of his royal roots, he achieved greatness in life and, by sheer providence, he was also put in various positions that required greatness to succeed.
Kabiyesi became not only the pride of Ijebu land but also a reference point in sublime royalty. He was a well-respected national figure. Till he joined his ancestors on Sunday, 13th July, 2025, he held the enviable rank as the longest-reigning monarch in the world having spent 65 eventful years on the throne of his forebears.
With his unwavering love and commitment to good governance and educational development in Nigeria, Kabiyesi used our University as a catalyst for transforming lives and shaping the future of our nation, where he endowed OOU with Professorial Chair in Governance at the Department of Political Science of the institution. This lofty project known as Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance remains unprecedented in the history of Professorial Chair Endowments in this country.
Since inception, the Annual Lecture Series of the Professorial Chair in Governance has become a convergence of distinguished guests and eminent personalities from the academia, government as well as public and private sectors to discuss critical issues in governance, share best practices and proffer solutions to pressing challenges.
It is worthy of note that our Royal Legend donated iconic residential buildings for researchers and directors, facilitated critical road projects and made other philanthropic interventions. Most remarkably, he further established the School of Governance Studies-a powerhouse for public policy and leadership development which has since been taken over by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
There is no doubt that the reign of Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona was marked by phenomenal impact and his legacy will assuredly live on through the countless lives he touched.
As we come to terms with the reality of Kabiyesi’s transition, let me commiserate, on behalf of the University community, with The Pro-Chancellor and Otunba of Ijebu land, our benefactor; Dr Kunle Hassan, Chairman, Board of management of OOUTH, family of Oba Adetona, the Ijebu Traditional Council, the Ogun State Government, the entire people of Ogun State and the black race globally.
Our monarch’s passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill but we hope to find solace in the outstanding legacy he has left behind.
I pray the Almighty to grant Kabiyesi eternal rest and uphold all of us who are mourning him. May his memory continue to remain a source of inspiration and unity for generations to come. E sun re o, Alaiyeluwa!
Farewell, our beloved Benefactor and Daddy!
Prof. Ayodeji Agboola
Vice-Chancellor
Olabisi Onabanjo University