Buhari’s Trusted Ally Dies Just Hours After Former President’s Death
Nigeria has been thrown into further mourning as Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland and one of Muhammadu Buhari’s most respected allies, passed away only hours after the former president died in London.
Buhari, 82, was confirmed dead on Sunday, July 13, 2025, following a prolonged illness that had kept him in a London hospital for months. In a development many have described as symbolic and deeply emotional, Oba Adetona, aged 91, reportedly breathed his last in Nigeria later the same day.
Oba Adetona, who reigned as the paramount ruler of Ijebuland for over six decades, was widely regarded as a towering figure in Nigeria’s traditional leadership. He maintained a personal friendship and political alliance with Buhari dating back to the military era and was known to have supported him consistently during his bids for the presidency.
Sources close to the late monarch said he had been in fragile health for several weeks but remained engaged with palace affairs until his final hours. Palace aides who confirmed the news described his passing as “peaceful” and “dignified.”
“This is a double loss for Nigeria,” one family associate said. “Two great men who shaped both our politics and our culture have left us within hours.”
Political observers and community leaders have described the timing as the end of an era – marking the departure of two personalities whose influence reached across generations.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to issue an official statement acknowledging the Awujale’s death in addition to Buhari’s, as tributes continue to pour in from across the country and the diaspora.
As Nigerians reflect on this somber day, many have called for flags to be flown at half-mast to honor the memories of both leaders who, despite their different callings, were bound by decades of shared history and national service.
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