IJEBU ODE — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, paid glowing tribute to the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing him as a revered traditional ruler whose life was defined by integrity, courage, cultural excellence, and an unwavering commitment to public service and humanity.
Speaking at the eighth-day prayer held in honour of the late monarch at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, President Tinubu recalled his personal relationship with the revered king and extolled his character as a bold, honest leader who stood for truth and justice. The Awujale, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 91, was laid to rest the following day in Ijebu Ode, marking the end of a reign that spanned 65 impactful years.
According to the President, Oba Adetona embodied the finest traits of Yoruba royalty and leadership. “Today is not just a day of prayer; it is a moment of reflection on the life of a great man who represented the very essence of our heritage. In the late Awujale, we saw the dignity of Yoruba culture and the strength of truth. He was a father, a counsellor, and a champion of justice,” President Tinubu remarked.
He recounted the support and blessings he received from the late monarch during key moments of his political journey, including his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election. “I succeeded because of his prayers. I visited him before the election; he blessed me and declared, ‘You will win.’ That prayer carried weight. Now he is no more, but the legacy of his wisdom lives on,” the President said.
President Tinubu further noted that Oba Adetona was not a leader to flatter or mislead anyone. “He was courageous and truthful. He would tell you exactly what he thought. And in honouring him, we must carry forward the values he stood for—unity, courage, and integrity. That is how his legacy will endure,” he stated.
The President also praised Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his deep respect and care for the late monarch, both while he was alive and after his passing. He highlighted the critical role the Awujale played during significant political events in Nigeria’s history, including his support during the fight for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate. “He was there for us, resolute and fearless,” Tinubu said.
Earlier, President Tinubu, alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visited the Igbeba Palace, where he offered prayers at the Oba’s burial site before meeting privately with members of the royal family.
The ceremony was attended by a high-powered delegation including governors, ministers, lawmakers, and prominent traditional leaders. Among them were Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and several former Ogun State governors including Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Also present were Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Solomon Adeola; and key members of the federal cabinet, including the Ministers of Aviation, Communications, Solid Minerals, and Finance.
Senator Gbenga Daniel, in his remarks, said the Ijebu people were honoured by the President’s presence, which reaffirmed the strong historical bond between Tinubu and the late Oba. Similarly, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Abdulrazaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola, praised President Tinubu’s gesture as a reaffirmation of loyalty and gratitude to the Awujale, who mobilised grassroots support for the President during key political moments.
Islamic prayers were led by Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, Grand Mufti of Egbaland, who reminded the congregation of the inevitability of death and the importance of good deeds as enduring legacies.
President Tinubu concluded his address by offering prayers for the peaceful repose of Oba Adetona’s soul, asking Almighty God to grant him Aljannah Firdaus and to console the royal family, Ijebuland, and all who mourn his passing.