Fuji music legend K1 De Ultimate has paid tribute to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died on Sunday, at the age of 91.
The 68-year-old, whose real name is Wasiu Ayinde, shared a photo of the monarch on Instagram on Monday along with an emotional farewell message.
“Kabiyesi, our father, our pride — the Awujale of Ijebu Ode. Today, I, K1 De Ultimate, join millions of sons and daughters of Ijebuland to bid you farewell. You were more than a king; you were a symbol of unity, wisdom, and tradition. Your reign brought progress, peace, and pride to our land. Your words guided us, your presence inspired us, and your legacy will forever live in our hearts. As you journey to be with our ancestors, may Olodumare grant you eternal rest. Your memory remains evergreen, Kabiyesi. Sun re o! Erin wo!! Orisa Ijebu — Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II CFR,” he wrote.
Oba Adetona died at his residence in Ijebu Ode after reigning for 64 years, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
K1 de Ultimate, who hails from Ijebu and is a close ally of the royal family, also honoured the king during a live performance where he paused the show to eulogise the monarch.
Meanwhile, speculations have surfaced online suggesting that K1 might be considered as a potential successor to the Awujale throne.
A Facebook user wrote, “If K1 is to contest the sit of Awujale, that’s unarguably the end of his long years of Fuji music career. Something must end for another to begin in situations like this.
“Abi Awujale go dey perform in ikomo, wedding and burial ni.. No! Again if he becomes Awujale, expect more gbasgbos of greetings with other Yoruba Obas at Social functions.
“I also think K1 also has the political connection to president and Dapo now if he wants to put everything which I assume he will want to push. Na to call Akanbi in Aṣọ rock say, alaye èmi ni mo fẹ jẹ Awujale ooo… Interesting days ahead as all Ijebu prince will join the race.”
However, no official confirmation has been made and the process of choosing a new Awujale, traditionally decided by kingmakers and the ruling houses of Ijebuland, has not yet begun.
In July 2023, the late Oba Adetona conferred on K1 De Ultimate the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu” during the annual Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode. The title, which was previously held by the late banking magnate Otunba Subomi Balogun, positions K1 as the head of the princes and princesses of Ijebuland.
To honour the title, K1 underwent a seven-day traditional seclusion rite and emerged dressed in all-white and leopard skin attire, as part of palace custom. The title was bestowed in recognition of his contributions to the cultural heritage and development of Ijebuland.
This appointment, along with his earlier installation as Mayegun of Yorubaland by the late Alaafin of Oyo in 2020, has further elevated K1’s stature beyond music, marking him as a significant cultural and community figure.
Oba Adetona will be buried in Ogbagba Court, Ijebu Ode, on Monday, at 4pm.
