Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona ascended the throne as the Awujale of Ijebuland on 2 April 1960, following formal approval by the Western Region Government through a letter dated 4 January 1960. The traditional rites included a three-month seclusion at the “Odo,” after which his coronation was conducted. On 5 April 1960, he took his seat in the Western Region House of Chiefs, marking the official start of his reign. Oba Adetona, born on 10 May 1934 into the Anikinaiya ruling house, had already established a strong foundation through his education and early career.
Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, born on 9 March 1928 in Iyin-Ekiti, had a distinguished military career before his appointment as Military Governor of the newly created Western State in August 1966. He served as Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army from 1964 to 1965, and his governorship (1966–1971) coincided with a period of political upheaval in Nigeria following the January and July coups of 1966. The coexistence of military authority and traditional governance framed the political and social dynamics of Western State during this period.
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Early Life and Ascension of Oba Sikiru Adetona
Oba Adetona attended several primary schools in Ijebuland, including Baptist Schools in Ereko, Ogbere United Primary School at Ijebu-Igbo, and Ansar-Ud-Deen School at Ijebu-Ode, between 1943 and 1950. He continued his education at Olu-Iwa College, now Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu-Ode, from 1951 to 1956, where he gained foundational knowledge that would support both administrative and traditional responsibilities.
From 1957 to 1958, he worked at the Audit Department of the Western Region Government in Ibadan, gaining experience in administration and governance. In 1958, he resigned to pursue accountancy studies in the United Kingdom, further enhancing his skills in financial management and organisational administration, preparing him for future leadership roles.
Oba Adetona’s formal appointment as Awujale in January 1960, followed by his coronation in April, represented a synthesis of traditional legitimacy and modern state recognition, enabling him to navigate complex political and social responsibilities in Ijebuland. His subsequent role in the Western Region House of Chiefs allowed him to represent Ijebuland in regional affairs, providing a platform for influence in both traditional and administrative spheres.
Robert Adeyinka Adebayo: Military Career and Governorship
Robert Adeyinka Adebayo’s career was marked by steady progression in the Nigerian Army. He served as the Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army from 1964 to 1965, overseeing operational and administrative responsibilities at the highest level. Following the military coups of 1966, he was appointed Military Governor of Western State in August of the same year. His tenure lasted until 1971, during which he managed the administration of the state in a period of significant political instability.
Although military governors held formal political authority, they often relied on local traditional leaders to maintain social cohesion and ensure the smooth implementation of governance policies. Oba Adetona, as a recognised traditional ruler, represented continuity and stability within Ijebuland, highlighting the enduring importance of traditional institutions even amid post-coup military administration.
Political and Social Context
The political landscape of Nigeria in the mid-1960s was shaped by the consequences of the January and July coups of 1966. The military administration replaced civilian governance structures, creating uncertainty and requiring collaboration with local elites, including traditional rulers. Ijebuland, with its cohesive communities and commercial networks, remained an important region within Western State, where traditional authority complemented the administrative functions of the military government.
Traditional rulers retained social influence, mediated conflicts, and ensured the preservation of cultural practices and community cohesion. Festivals, chieftaincy hierarchies, and local associations played significant roles in sustaining social organisation. These institutions provided a stabilising presence, particularly when formal political structures were undergoing rapid changes.
Economic and Cultural Landscape
Ijebu communities in the 1960s maintained strong traditions of trade and commerce, with towns such as Ijebu Ode and Sagamu serving as hubs for agricultural produce and market activities. Education continued to expand through mission and government schools, producing professionals and administrators who contributed to regional development. Cultural festivals and communal institutions reinforced the collective identity of the Ijebu people, ensuring that social cohesion remained intact despite national political turbulence.
While the period was marked by political uncertainty, the combination of economic activity, educational development, and cultural continuity underscored Ijebuland’s resilience and capacity for adaptation under both traditional and state authority.
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Author’s Note
The historical narrative of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona and Robert Adeyinka Adebayo demonstrates the coexistence of traditional authority and military governance in 1960s Nigeria. Oba Adetona’s education, appointment, and coronation are well documented, and Adebayo’s tenure as Military Governor is firmly established. By removing unverified claims regarding a 1966 visit, the account maintains integrity, offering an accurate depiction of political and social dynamics in Western Nigeria during this era.
References
- “Oba Sikiru Kayọde Adetona (1934–2025),” The Guardian Nigeria, July 2025.
- “Awujale Sikiru Adetona, Six Decades of a Reigning Monarch,” Vanguard News, April 2020.
