The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been laid to rest in a private ceremony at his Igbeba residence in Ijebu-Ode.

The revered monarch was buried at 6:00 p.m. on Monday in a mausoleum he personally constructed within his compound.

Oba Adetona, who died on Sunday at the age of 91, was one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers and the longest-reigning Awujale in history, having ascended the throne on April 2, 1960.

His reign spanned an extraordinary 65 years, marked by visionary leadership, cultural revival, and strong advocacy for good governance and the rule of law.

The late monarch’s burial followed Islamic rites and was witnessed by close family members and palace officials, in line with his personal wishes for a modest and private final journey.

Oba Adetona was not only revered within Ijebuland but also held in high esteem across Nigeria and beyond. His legacy includes the modernization of the Ijebu traditional institution and his philanthropic contributions to education and public service, including the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University.

In a remarkable twist of fate, Oba Adetona died on the same day as his close friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London after a prolonged illness. The two elder statesmen shared a deep bond, united by their influence and dedication to national service.

As tributes continue to pour in from traditional rulers, political leaders, and citizens across Nigeria, the people of Ijebuland are mourning the loss of a father figure and cultural icon whose legacy will endure for generations.

Funeral activities and plans for a broader celebration of life are expected to be announced by the palace in the coming days.

The National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, has described the death of President Buhari whose life exemplified honesty, integrity, discipline, and patriotism as an immeasurable loss to Nigeria and the world.

In a condolence message personally signed by him, the former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said President Buhari led with simplicity and a resolute commitment to national service and his place in the history of Nigeria is firmly cemented, and his legacy will continue to guide generations yet unborn.

He extended deepest condolences to the Buhari family, the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Daura, the good people of the Daura Emirate, the Government and people of Katsina State, all Nigerians, and indeed the global community that admired and respected President Buhari’s principled life.

“We, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, received with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss the news of the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“President Buhari was a patriot, a disciplined leader, and a statesman who dedicated his life to the service of our great nation. From his early days in the military to his tenure as a democratically elected President, he remained committed to the unity, peace, and development of Nigeria. His leadership was marked by an unrelenting fight against corruption, a drive for national security, and efforts to instil transparency and discipline in governance.

“His unwavering belief in Nigeria and his determination to build a better future for all remain part of his enduring legacy.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the government, and the entire people of Nigeria. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus. May He also grant his family and all who mourn him the strength and patience to bear this great loss.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.(Surely, we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return.)”

Babatunde Raji Fashola, former minister of works and housing, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriot who offered over five decades of his life in service to Nigeria.

In a tribute released on Sunday, Fashola said he was mourning with “a deeply heavy heart and profound sense of personal loss.”

“I join millions of Nigerians and friends around the world to mourn the passing of our former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,” he wrote.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, his children, and his entire extended family.”

Fashola, a former governor of Lagos, also extended his condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, especially the Daura Emirate, where the late president was born and later retired after leaving office.

Reflecting on Buhari’s public service, Fashola described him as a rare figure whose contributions spanned both military and democratic eras.

“From the battlefield to the ballot box, he stood as a sentinel of duty… guided always by a belief in discipline, integrity, and nationhood,” he said.

According to Fashola, Buhari’s personal values, including punctuality, order, and accountability, were often overlooked by public commentary but critical to his leadership style.

“He was perhaps the most punctual public servant I ever encountered — never late to cabinet meetings, always respecting the time of others. It may seem a small thing, but in governance, it is everything. It sets a tone,” he added.

He recalled Buhari’s controversial but value-driven “War Against Indiscipline” campaign, which he said was often misunderstood.

“It was rooted in a desire to rebuild a citizenry of order, courtesy, and civic responsibility,” he said