Popular Fuji artist Wasiu Haruna-Ishola, popularly known as Lagunja 1 has paid a touching tribute to Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 91.
He recently described the monarch’s death as a major loss for Ijebuland, Yoruba land, and the whole of Nigeria.
Speaking via a press statement issued from Europe, where he is presently on a musical tour, the Ijebu-born artiste and protégé of Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), revealed that the vibrant leader was a pillar of wisdom and culture.
According to him, henceforth, July 13, 2025, will be a day to remember for the Ijebu residents and indigenes because Oba Adetona was more than a king to his people.
He stated that the deceased was an epitome of a selfless leader who displayed a lot of wisdom and knowledge while he occupied the throne.
“July 13, 2025, is a date that can never be forgotten in the history of Ijebu and indeed the entire nation.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was more than a king—he was a pillar of wisdom, culture, and progress who defined what it meant to serve one’s people selflessly,” he said.
Lagunja 1 further noted that the king’s 64-year reign was a transformative era that delivered a lot of benefits to the people, including quality healthcare, cultural identity and wisdom.
He concluded by saying that Oba Adetona’s death, coinciding with the day former President Muhammadu Buhari passed, marked July 13 down as a double national tragedy.
“Kabiyesi was a unifier, a man of foresight, and a royal father whose leadership inspired generations. His dedication to peace, progress, and people’s welfare will remain a blueprint for traditional leadership.
To lose two prominent national figures in one day is heartbreaking. But the memory of their service will live on..
May Kabiyesi’s soul rest in perfect peace, and may we continue to honour the values he stood for—dignity, wisdom, and devotion to the people,” he added.
Oba Adetona, named king in 1960, was Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch before his demise.
