..Hails late monarch’s boldness, truthfulness, love for Yoruba race

…Says Oba Adetona predicted 2023 victory, blessed him before elections

…Ogun Gov, clerics, dignitaries honour 91-year-old monarch at 8th-day Fidau

By Sodiq Adelakun

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday described the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as a man of integrity, humility, and service to humanity, declaring that the revered monarch’s blessings and prayers were instrumental in his journey to the Nigerian presidency.

Speaking at the 8th-day prayer held in honour of the late monarch at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Tinubu reflected on his personal relationship with the Awujale and praised the late Oba’s legacy as a unifier and pillar of Yoruba culture.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

The statement read partly, “I succeeded because of your support and the blessings of the late Awujale. I came to him; he blessed me and said, ‘You will win that election.’ Today, he is no more, but God has blessed us, especially if we heed the richness of his wisdom.

“To honour this great man, we must be more united, bonded in the spirit he left behind, and appreciate his legacy, even in death. We have named institutions after him, and his legacy will endure. It is up to each of us to remember the values he represented. May God grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

Tinubu further described the late monarch as a worthy leader, bold, courageous, and truthful. 

“He would never deceive you. He was always there for us in times of need. I recall the June 12 episode and many other moments in his palace, our resistance, our determination to reverse the annulment of June 12. Papa was steadfast, resolute, and very encouraging,” the statement added.

Reflecting on Oba Adetona’s legacy, Tinubu said the Awujale was “a pride of the Yoruba race,” noting that the monarch’s contributions to cultural and political development in Nigeria spanned over six decades.

Also, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State thanked President Tinubu for attending the event and described the Awujale as more than just a traditional ruler. 

“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was more than a monarch. He lived a full life of 91 years, with 65 years on the throne,” Abiodun stated. “His reign brought development not only to Ijebuland but across the Western region and Nigeria as a whole.”

Muslim clerics, led by Imam Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, offered prayers for the late monarch and reflected on the certainty of death. The Imam reminded mourners that “only our good deeds while on earth will be of any worth upon our death.”

Earlier, at the Igbeba Palace, Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, offered solemn prayers at the monarch’s tomb for the repose of his soul before meeting privately with the Oba’s family.

The event drew political and religious leaders, including Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr Obafemi Hamzat; former Ogun State Governors Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Others in attendance were Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Solomon Adeola; Ministers Festus Keyamo, Dele Alake, Wale Edun, and Bosun Tijjani; as well as National Assembly members and top government officials.

A cross-section of mourners commended Tinubu for honouring the late monarch. Senator Gbenga Daniel noted that the President’s presence greatly excited the Ijebu community, saying it underscored his strong relationship with the Awujale.

The Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Abdulrazaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola, added: “The late Awujale demonstrated his commitment to President Tinubu’s administration by mobilising his people to support the President. The President’s attendance at this event is a significant and symbolic gesture, acknowledging past support and reinforcing connections.”

The late Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, died on July 13 at the age of 91.