When the history of religious harmony, cultural integration, and community pride is written in southwestern Nigeria, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the late Awujale of Ijebuland, will forever stand tall. Though he has now passed on, his legacy—particularly among the Muslim faithful of Ijebuland and Ogun State—remains unshakably alive.
From the grand celebration of Ojude Oba, to his respect for Islamic institutions and values, Oba Adetona was more than a monarch. He was a unifying father figure whose deep commitment to peaceful coexistence and Muslim identity in Ijebuland will not be forgotten in a hurry.
(1) Custodian and Champion of Ojude Oba
Though Ojude Oba is now a globally recognized cultural event, its roots are firmly planted in the Muslim community of Ijebu. It began over a century ago as a thanksgiving event by early Muslim converts who returned to pay homage to the reigning Awujale after Eid-el-Kabir.
Oba Adetona elevated Ojude Oba from a local Muslim tradition into an internationally acclaimed cultural carnival. He institutionalized it as a platform where Muslims, in their resplendent attires, proudly display their heritage, values, and loyalty to the throne. Through his reign, he ensured that Muslim age-grade groups (regberegbe) received prominence, space, and respect during the event.
Without him, Ojude Oba might have faded or lost its original Islamic connection. With him, it flourished into a bridge between faith and culture.
(2) Defender of Islamic Institutions and Unity
Throughout his long reign (1960–2024), Oba Adetona maintained close relationships with Islamic leaders, scholars, and institutions in Ijebuland. He attended Islamic events when possible, offered royal blessings for mosque constructions, and encouraged Islamic education alongside Western schooling.
Muslims in Ijebuland always knew that their king recognized their faith, not as a minority concern, but as a core pillar of the Ijebu identity. He welcomed Muslim holidays into palace life and never allowed divisions between adherents of different faiths.
His relationship with the League of Imams and Alfas, the Ansar-ud-Deen Society, and various Islamic schools was warm and constant. Even non-Ijebu Muslims in Ogun State viewed him as a royal figure whose reign promoted the dignity of Islam without discrimination.
(3) A Legacy of Peace and Coexistence
In a region where religion could have divided communities, Oba Adetona promoted peace. He didn’t just preside over a religiously mixed kingdom—he protected its balance. Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists all had a voice in his palace. His balanced leadership taught tolerance to both elites and commoners.
Muslim leaders often recall how disputes over mosque land, prayer times, or inter-faith tensions were brought before the Awujale and resolved with fairness.
Under his watch, Ijebuland became a model for how religion and tradition can thrive side by side.
(4) Support for Muslim-led Development
Beyond cultural and religious symbolism, Oba Adetona supported development efforts led by Muslims—especially in health and education. He personally encouraged philanthropic ventures by Muslim elites and was instrumental in drawing attention to infrastructural needs in Muslim-majority areas.
From supporting school projects to inaugurating hospitals and social initiatives spearheaded by Muslim bodies, his blessing was often the golden stamp that guaranteed progress.
(5) A Monarch of the People—Loved by the Ummah
To Muslims in Ijebuland, Oba Adetona wasn’t just a distant monarch; he was “Kabiyesi Baba”—a king who listened, blessed, and celebrated them. His personal humility, commitment to fairness, and devotion to preserving Islamic contributions to Ijebu heritage won him a special place in their hearts.
More Than a Monarch
Now that Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona has joined his ancestors, the grief in Ijebu-Muslim quarters is deeply spiritual. They mourn not just the passing of a king, but the exit of a father, cultural guardian, religious ally, and peace ambassador.
His reign was proof that Islam and tradition can walk hand in hand. For this—and many more reasons—the Muslim Ummah of Ijebuland and Ogun State will not forget him in a hurry. May his legacy continue to inspire unity and progress.
-Jamiu Abubakar
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