President Bola Tinubu on Sunday paid glowing tribute to the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing the late monarch as an exemplary traditional ruler who brought great honour, dignity and pride to the Yoruba race across the globe.
Tinubu recounted the contributions and support of the late traditional ruler in his bid to become President in 2023, adding that Yoruba’s rich history would have been incomplete if he had failed to win the election.
The President also described the late monarch as a courageous democrat and dependable ally who stood to be counted and supported the efforts to reverse the annulment of the results of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola.
Oba Adetona died on Sunday, July 13, 2025 and was buried on Monday, July 14, 2025, at his Ijebu Ode GRA residence, according to Islamic rites.
Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi, the chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other governors from the Southwest states of Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, disclosed this during the eight-day Fidau prayers held for the repose of the traditional ruler, at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode.
“Our history would not have been completed, carefully and richly, if I had failed in the last election.
“I was successful because of your support and because of the blessing of the late Awujale.
“I came to him and he blessed me, and he said you are winning that election, and you will be returned to office.
“Today, he is no more. He is gone. The richness of his wisdom is uncommon, as espoused by Governor Dapo Abiodun in his address,” he said.
Tinubu described Oba Adetona as a great leader of conscience, tradition and of great value.
“He brought pride, dignity and honour to the Yoruba race. I am extremely proud of him. He was always there at that time of need for all of us.
“I could recount June 12 episodes in his palace for real. Our resistance, our determination to reverse the annulment of June 12. Baba was steadfast, resolute and very encouraging.
“That he lived to be 91 years old, and to be honoured during his 90th birthday with the GCON title is what I always considered a great honour. He was very honest, bold, courageous, and truthful. He will not deceive you,” he added.
The President said Awujale played his part well and left at a very good age, challenging others to build on his legacy.
“Therefore, we the people must continue to build on the strong legacy of the royal father by prioritising unity and living in peace with one another as exemplified by the late monarch.
“We have to be more united, bonded in the spirit that he (Awujale) left behind. We must cherish his legacy and appreciate him in death.
“We have named institutions after him. His legacies will endure. It is left for you and me to reflect on the culture and values that he represented. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljana fridaous,” Tinubu stated.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun hailed Oba Adetona as a distinguished and illustrious father, an irreplaceable monarch who redefined traditional institution leadership in the country.
The governor described the gathering as the celebration of the life of an exemplary royal father who lived life to the fullest at 91 and was defined by a remarkable and extraordinary reign with 65 years of sterling leadership and transformative impact across Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said Oba Adetona was more than a monarch; he was a voice to the voiceless, the fearless conscience of the nation, whose legacy would echo through time.
“Ijebu land became prosperous under his reign. He became a bridge between our cherished past and the future. He upheld the dignity of Ijebu land while championing modern values as custodian of culture and tradition, and simultaneously a bold reformer,” the governor added.
Abiodun, however, urged the people of Ijebu Ode and Ijebu land to embrace religious harmony, prioritise unity and love for all to sustain the progress and uncommon development championed by the late Awujale for 65 years.
He said that “Oba Awujale promoted peace and religious harmony. Let us therefore commit ourselves to preserving peace and harmony and building on the strong foundation laid by the late Awujale, for in our unity lies our strength and resilience to sustain the progress the Kabiyesi championed throughout his life.
“As we reflect on the worthy life of our departed great father, I call on all residents of Ijebu Ode and Ijebu land to remain peaceful, law-abiding and united.
“Let us honour Kabiyesi not only with ceremonies and words but with our actions that reflect his values.”
The prayers were led by the President of the League of Alfas and Imams in the Southwest, Sheikh Jamiu Bello, who was supported by the Grand Imam and President of the League of Alfas and Imams of Ijebu land, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, alongside other Muslim clerics and leaders across the southwest.
In his short message during the Fidau, the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, called on the country’s political leaders to emulate the late Oba Adetona, describing him as God-fearing, honest and having served the Almighty Allah faithfully to the end.
Prof Balogun said death was inevitable, adding that everyone, irrespective of status, would one day have God to contend with after death.
The Muslim cleric urged those at the helm of affairs in the country to prioritise godliness, justice and good governance, knowing fully well that they would not only leave the seat of power but also go the way of all mortals.
Other dignitaries at the event were former governors of Ogun State: Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun and Chief Segun Osoba, among others.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, on Sunday, directed that all the major markets, including Ita Osu, Ita Ale, Oke Aje, among others, which have been closed since last Monday as a mark of honour to the departed Awujale, will be reopened from Monday.
Alebiosu also said that at no time did the local government ever direct that the markets would remain closed for 75 days, adding that such a report was an outright falsehood.
“Following the peaceful transition of our highly revered royal father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona GCON, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the leadership of Ijebu Ode Local Government, in consultation with relevant traditional authorities, respectfully observed the customary mourning period in honour of the Orisa of Ijebuland.
“We wish to inform the general public, traders, and market stakeholders that all major markets within ljebu Ode, including Ita Ale, Ita Osu, and Oke Aje, will officially reopen for full business operations on Monday, 21st July 2025.”
The Punch
