Fuji musician K1 de Ultimate was among those who received Senator Seriake Dickson and his delegation in Ijebu-Ode during a condolence visit following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
Oba Adetona died on Sunday, July 13, after reigning for 65 years, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving and most revered traditional rulers. He was buried in Ijebu-Ode on Monday.
Senator Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State and current representative of Bayelsa West, is a descendant of the Obu warrior family of Orua which traces its roots to the Fidipote royal family of Ijebuland in Ogun State. As a prince of the Fidipote family, Dickson expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s death, describing him as “an iconic leader whose legacy will be remembered for generations.”
In a post shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, Senator Dickson detailed the condolence visit.
“Yesterday, I paid a condolence visit to Ijebu-Ode on account of the passing of our dearly beloved and revered King, H.R.M. Kabiyesi Alayeluwa Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II… In the company of the Kakanfo Awujale of Ijebuland, High Chief Bimbo Okenla, we visited H.R.H. Oba Tajudeen Kolawole Omotayo… We also visited the Head of the Princes’ Council, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde K1… who himself is a member of the Fidipote Royal Family,” he wrote.
“I thanked them for the solidarity and support they showed Kabiyesi during his reign, and also for the dignity and unity they have displayed at his passing. As a prince myself, I was briefed about the funeral activities and the activities that the Traditional Council will attend to in the coming days and months. I also visited the Olori and condoled the family of the late Awujale. I hope to visit them again soon. May his soul continue to rest in peace. Amen.”
K1 De Ultimate, on Instagram on Monday, paid tribute to the late monarch, sharing a photo of Oba Adetona along with an emotional 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,” he wrote.
“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.”
His tribute comes amid online speculation that he may be considered as a potential successor to the Awujale throne, given his strong ties to the royal family and recent titles. However, no official confirmation has been made and the selection process by Ijebu kingmakers and ruling houses has not yet commenced.
In July 2023, the late monarch conferred on K1 De Ultimate the prestigious title of “Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu” during the annual Ojude Oba Festival. The title, previously held by late banking mogul Otunba Subomi Balogun, makes K1 the head of all princes and princesses of Ijebuland.
This chieftaincy, along with his earlier installation as Mayegun of Yorubaland by the late Alaafin of Oyo in 2020, further cements the musician’s status as a prominent cultural figure beyond the music scene.
