Meet the longest serving king in Nigeria who has ruled for over 6 decades

PulseApr 17, 2025Read original

He has been on the throne for over 64 years.

If there’s a king whose reign has stood the test of time, it has to be

He has been on the throne for over

, making him the longest-serving traditional ruler in the country and one of the most respected monarchs in all of Africa. At

years old, the king has redefined what it means to be a royal leader in modern Nigeria.

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Oba Adetona is from the

and was born on

. His early education took him through

in Ereko, Ijebu-Ode,

, and

all within Ijebuland. For his secondary education, he attended the

from 1951 to 1956.

As proof of his intellect and ambition, he worked briefly with the Audit Department of the

before resigning in 1958 to study accountancy in the

—a rare feat for many at the time.

Though he was one of six nominees presented by the

, Oba Adetona was unanimously selected by the kingmakers, and the governor of the Western Region at the time signed his Instrument of Office, officially recognising him as the

at only twenty-six years old.

Following tradition, he went into customary seclusion at the Odo for three months. His official presentation as king was made by

, the then Head of the Ijebu Ode Regency Council, on

.

Oba Adetona’s reign has brought honour, dignity, and integrity to the Ijebu throne. Unlike many ceremonial rulers, he has consistently shown a deep commitment to education, governance, and community development. One of his most outstanding legacies is the establishment of the

This world-class institution is dedicated to addressing the leadership gap in Nigeria and across Africa. It stands as a testament to his belief in the power of education, accountability, and service. In

, the

was renamed

in his honour, a move

described as a recognition of the monarch’s immense contributions to education and the prosperity of Ijebuland.

Every year, the grand

draws thousands of Ijebu sons and daughters from around the world. They don’t just show up out of obligation, but out of genuine love and reverence for their king. The festival is more than a cultural celebration, it’s a reflection of the deep bond between Oba Adetona and his people, a king deeply loved and respected by his subjects.

Now, 90 years old, Oba Adetona is a father to nine children and continues to play a central role in the spiritual, cultural, and even political journey of Nigeria.

, in a heartfelt tribute during the monarch’s 90th birthday, praised the Awujale as a pillar of strength, justice, and fairness, a royal father who stood by him through his political evolution. He said:

In a country constantly in search of direction and true leadership, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona stands tall as a timeless king whose legacy will outlive generations.