THE PEOPLE’S MONARCH
Unarguably one of Nigeria’s greatest living monarchs, a patriot and nationalist of the highest order, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, has been on the throne for more than fifty-five years having been officially recognized by the then Western Region Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on January 4, 1960 and crowned on April 2, 1960, six months before the country attained independence. Now, a word on the journey of this quintessential monarch to this age where he is now an encyclopaedia on the chequered history of Nigeria, and the greatest custodian of Ijebu culture, tradition and history. A cerebral mind, a wordsmith, an institution, a royalty of the highest nobility, a sagacious personality and the collective pride of Ijebu nation, he is unarguably the architect of modern Ijebu nation.
Ayandele further discloses that perhaps the best illustration of the genius of the Ijebu for survival and timely adaptation was their going the polar opposite by recognizing and appropriating in the nick of time, the dynamics of social and economic progress offered by westernism, their erstwhile bugbear which they had strenuously resisted to the point that the British maxims and seven pounders had to speak to them. The Ijebu inhabit the south-central part of Yorubaland – bounded in the north by Ibadan, in the east by Ondo and Okitipupa, and in the west by Egba. The south boundary of Ijebu is the coastline that stretches from Ikorodu, Ejinrin, Epe, Abigi, Ebute-Oni to Ode-Omi. Even though part of Ijebuland is to be found in the present Lagos State, the people of Ikorodu, Imota, Epe and Ejinrin who have found themselves in Lagos State have always regarded themselves as one entity even with the migration legends that have often been cited point in different directions. In his seminal book, The Ijebu of Yorubaland 1850-1950: Politics, Economy and Society, Emeritus Professor Emmanuel Ayandele (1992), gives a remarkable account of an equally remarkable and
uniquely adaptable people. In a generous but factual assertion, the author in the preface, inter alia, states that in a any computation of human excellence and ability to make the best of any situation, the Ijebu stand very high in Africa in general and in Nigeria in particular. Internally, in the bewildering power politics of Yorubaland … the Ijebu people held their own in a spectacular fashion, the Ijebu kingdom being the only survivor of the large-scale cataclysmic eruptions that shattered other Yoruba States in the nineteenth century.
There are several accounts on the origin of Ijebu people. The accounts being largely oral, opinions are divided on how the people came to inhabit the present Ijebuland. The seemingly most factual of the accounts was that the Ijebu people migrated into Nigeria from the Southern Sudanese region called Owadaiye, now corrupted to Waddai, passing through the present Borno State and Idomaland. The Lagos Times of May 9, 1890 was right when it wrote that Ijebu is about the only province now in what is commonly described as Yoruba country that has not lost its original seat from the vicissitudes of inter-tribal warfare, where has sorely affected the land.
It is in the formidable town and the unique land of Ijebu-Ode, capital of Ijebuland that the current Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose letter of appointment was released on January 4, 1960, was born May 10, 1934. Being a first class monarch and the longest reigning Awujale in recorded history, Oba Adetona has every reason to give thanks to Almighty God. His reign has been a monumental success and a pride to the Ijebu of southwest Nigeria, the several tribulations he faced up to 1984, notwithstanding. He personifies the attributes of Ijebu that include the fierce and sturdy independence, candour, objectivity, sagacity, sincerity, entrepreneurial spirit, reliability and resoluteness.
This moment of the living legend and charismatic monarch provides one with a spectacular opportunity to construct and situate the person of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Born as Prince Sikiru Olukayode Adetona to the Anikilaya Ogbagba Royal family of Ijebu-Ode. His father was Prince Rufai Adetona, whilst his mother, Alhaja Ajibabi Adetona (nee Onashile), who hailed from Ijebu-Igbo was the aunt of Otunba (Dr.) Mike Adenuga (Jnr.) of Globacom fame.
Young Prince Adetona, variously attended Baptist School, Ereko, Ijebu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu-Ode between 1943 and 1950. For his secondary education, he was at Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutola) College, Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956. Between 1957 and 1958, he took up appointment with the then Audit Department of the Western Region, Ibadan. The charming prince resigned his appointment in 1958, to pursue further studies in accountancy in the United Kingdom (UK).
By a letter dated January 4, 1960 referenced CB.41/333, the Permanent Secretary in the Western Region’s Ministry of Local Government conveyed to the Local Government Adviser in Ijebu-Ode, the approval of the Western Region Governor-in-Council for the appointment of Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona as the Awujale of Ijebuland with effect from that date (January 4, 1960). It became the lot of Ijebu notables like the late Ogbeni-Oja Chief (Dr.) Timothy Adeola Odutola; Bobasuwa, Chief E. O Okunowo and Asiwaju, Chief Samuel Olatunbosun Shonibare to arrange for the home coming of the King-elect. On January 18, 1960, the head of the Ijebu-Ode Regency Council, the late Ogbeni-Oja, Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola formally presented the new traditional ruler to the whole world. This presentation, which was a novelty, signalled the commencement of the installation ceremonies of the king-elect. It was indeed a new dawn in the annals of Ijebu people. The king-elect thereafter, proceeded to undergo the traditional seclusion otherwise know as “Ipebi” at the Odo for three months.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who had earlier been nominated along with five others by the ODIS was unanimously selected by the King-Makers in conformity with Section 11 of the Western Region Chief’s Law of 1957. The formal coronation took place on Saturday, April 2, 1960.
On Tuesday, April 5, 1960, the newly crowned Oba Adetona took his seat as a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs. His nomination was prophetic as the twenty-six year-old Awujale was at the early age perceived as a fit and proper king for the exalted position, which beyond every iota of doubt, continues to manifest in his unique and epochal reign. No doubt, this consideration was an admission of the uniqueness and leadership charisma of the Awujale. As if confirming the aphorism that a golden fist has no hiding place, the new Awujale was appointed by the Western Region Government as a Minister and member of the Region’s Executive Council. The position he occupied until the outbreak of the Western Region’s political crisis in 1962. With the declaration of a State of Emergency in the Western Region by the then Federal Government, the Administrator of the region Chief Dr. Moses Adekoye Majekodunmi found the services of the young Awujale indispensable. He was appointed a Commissioner during the emergency period.
Since 1960, Oba Adetona has succeeded in raising the status and reckoning of his Ijebu people. He is known and perceived as one the country’s greatest monarchs – dead or alive. A philosopher and social scientist, his fame and popularity extend beyond the shores of Nigeria.
A creative and strategic ruler, Oba Adetona has been a significant factor in the nation’s socio-political and economic development.
Perhaps one can embark on the construction and situation of Oba Adetona from his posturing as a change master, a pragmatist, as an incorruptible ruler, as a spiritual leader and as a benevolent employer.
Oba Adetona as a Nationalist
The Awujale is loyally and devotedly committed to the Nigerian State. He is indeed, a patriot. He has built bridges across Rivers-Niger and Benue. Has admonished his people to be thoroughbred wherever they find themselves. No wonder, the Ijebu people have always comported themselves where they are. Its on record that no inter or intra ethnic clash has been recorded in Ijebuland since he ascended the throne in 1960.
He was in the forefront of finding a national solution to the political logjam of 1993 to 1998. Oba Adetona consulted widely and hosted several fora. He was never a sell out. He brokered peace and concord in 1998 and 1999; current major actors in the nation’s political parties will readily attest to this disclosure.
However, but for Oba Adetona’s unalloyed commitment to the the nation, his pronouncement other wise would have swayed public opinion in favour of those agitation for balkanization of Nigeria. Perhaps, if Nigeria had been abundantly blessed with Nationalists, such as Oba Adetona, the country will be nearing Eldorado, if not already there. The submission here is that more Monarchs and leaders of the pedigree of Oba Adetona are needed in Nigeria.
Oba Adetona as an Incorruptible Ruler
I state without equivocation that spoils of office cannot corrupt the monarch. He is just transparent and equitable. Oba Adetona loathes indecency. He has been known to chastise corrupt leaders and quite often denounce them. Woe betides any Ijebu person who gets his hands soiled while holding any office. Such an Ijebu person has no home to return to. His long and enviable reign has not made Oba Adetona to decay or decompose.
During the dark days of the late maximum ruler, general Sanni Abacha, he was amongst the few leaders that stood to be counted on the side of history. Time has indeed indicated him. Oba Adetona, to paraphrase Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819 – 1881), is one leader “who the lust of office does not kill”; a leader “whom the spoils of office cannot buy”; a monarch who “possesses opinions and a will”; a king “who has honour, who will not lie”; a legend that has always “stood before a demagogue and damned his treacherous flatteries without winking”. He is a monarch among monarchs to the extent that every successive administration in Ogun State and Nigeria holds him in high esteem. It is a manifestation of his incorruptibility and sagacity.
Oba Adetona as a Spiritual Father
One additional way of looking at Oba Adetona is from the perspective of a monarch who passionately believes in Allah. Oba Adetona personifies Salih, which signifies behaviour that is righteous, just and dignified. He has not only been a monarch but also the spiritual leader of his people.
He has immeasurably succeeded in bringing about religious harmony among his people to the extent that religion does not dichotomise the Ijebus. The Christians live in harmony with Muslims in Ijebuland. The traditionalists are equally not isolated. The common saying in Ijebu is that “religion cannot divide us”. The Holy Quran confirms this to wit: “to you, your religion and to me, my religion”. Albeit Oba Adetona, is the President-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council (an umbrella for Islamic Organization for Muslims), he attends several Christian functions and his quite versed in Christianity. The Ijebu Christian community holds the New Year Prayer session in the Awujale’s Palace. Many of his high ranking Otunbas and Chiefs are Christians. The Palace is an admixture of Christians and Muslims.
Oba Adetona’s purity and righteous deeds are accounting for his success in this world and God willing, shall account for his securing Al-janah (paradise) in the hereafter. Given his spirituality one is left in no doubt that Oba Adetona will reign for more decades as Allah guarantees longevity for leaders who fear Him and thread His path.
Oba Adetona as a benevolent Employer
He reigning Awujale is one employer that has been showing goodwill, kindness and charity to his workers. For example, his Personal Driver who has been with him for over thirty years is a proud property owner in Ijebu-Ode, even though he is a non-Ijebu. His Personal Secretary and escort driver enjoy similar benefits which other cadre of employees enjoy conducive operating environment. The attrition rate of employees in the Palace of the Awujale is quite negligible, a pointer to industrial harmony and the quintessential employer that Oba Adetona is.
Oba Adetona as a Mentor
As a mentor, Oba Adetona provides extra-ordinary experience for his employees and highlights key ideas and information that make their work memorable and meaningful. He gets his employees to make the most of a given situation. He reaches out to all his employees and Palace officials.
The modern Palace – the extension is an unsurpassable gift. Even though blessed with the wherewithal of life, Oba Adetona was able to mobilize his subjects in the 1980s to construct what is today the best ultra-modern palace in the country. Four years ago, he was at it again to achieve the new Palace extension. The extension which is now completed has continued to serve a number of purposes – a venue of the annual Ojude-Oba Festival (now an international socio-cultural festival), as a Royal Arcade, as a museum, as a library, as an archive, as a Shopping complex and as a Tourists’ Centre among others. Attested fundraiser, he succeeded in getting his subjects and friends of Ijebuland to raise over seven hundred million naira (N700,000,000.00) for the construction of the Awujale Palace Extension. It can be said that the Ijebu people intended the Palace Extension be named OBA SIKIRU KAYODE ADETONA GOLDEN JUBILEE CENTRE a his 77th birthday cum 51st coronation anniversary gift.
The 2012 Accident
Alaiyeluwa will continue to be grateful to the Merciful God for seeing him through the domestic accident that rendered him bed ridden for over four months. But for God, several notable Nigerians including Otunba Michael Adenuga, Gov. (Senator) Ibikule Amosun, Aremo Segun Osoba and Otunba Subomi Balogun; and the support of several others including fellow Obas, Otunbas, Chiefs, the good people of his domain, and his friends generally throughout the country, he would have been permanently rendered bed-ridden. Coming out of his sick bed, he advocated for the complete overhaul of our healthcare delivery system to arrest capital flight and the exodus of our medical personnel. The call is in tandem with Kabiyesi’s constant call for patriotism and excellence in every aspect of our public life and institution. He submits at every occasion that patriotism and excellence will take the country to the Promised Land.
Conclusion
The Awujale has used his sagacity and creative ingenuity to bring the traditional institution in tandem with civilization. The old and fetish practice have been jettisoned in Ijebuland, thus making, the institution attractive to successful technocrats, professionals and business moguls of royal lineage. There is no better way to conclude than to say that as a monarch, Oba Adetona has personal warmth and integrity. He has positive attitude and high energy level. He is resilient, creative, sagacious, objective and incorruptible.
Oba Adetona has brought tremendous honour and dignity to the traditional institution, especially to the Ijebu traditional Council. His records of excellent and unsurpassable service to his people and country are heart-warming. One issue agitating the mind of this quintessential monarch is the compelling urgency for the creation of an Ijebu State out of the present Ogun State. His subjects are unanimous with him in his quest. Indeed, for justice, fair play and equity to reign in the land, the Ijebu people deserve a state of theirs. He has been leading the crusade for the actualization of Ijebu State, as it is incredibly unknown why Ijebu nation has not been thought fit by successive administrations in Nigeria to deserve a State of their own, when it constituted one of the twenty-four provinces at independence! The Ijebu State will be another gift to this enigmatic monarch who is now fifty-nine years on the throne as Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland and Eight Five years old as at May 2019, and one can only hope that the National Assembly will make a pronouncement of it before the end of the current legislative session.
This piece will be incomplete without the Awujale’s praise song.
Orisa Ijebu o e e e (2ce)
Orisa Ijebu a gbe wa ni Ija o
Aiye ile orisa Ijebu a gbe wa ni Ija o
Awujale loni Ijebu
A je ki Ijebu san wa o e
Orisa Ijebu o e e e (2ce)
Orisa Ijebu a gbe wa ni Ija o
Aiyel Ile orisa Ijebu a gbe wa ni Ija o
Awujale loni Ijebu
Kon ma je iya o je a o e
Reference:
Culled from the “OJUDE OBA FESTIVAL 2017” Magazine
