Nigeria’s leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called on all Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba nation, to unite, strengthen their bonds, and honour the legacy of the late paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II.
The President made the call on Sunday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State during the eight-day Islamic fidau solemn prayers of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona held at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode Ogun State.
The Nigerian leader urged citizens to embrace a culture of truth and uphold the values of integrity exemplified by the late monarch.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late paramount ruler, President Tinubu hailed Oba Adetona as a principled and fearless leader whose life embodied the fundamental values of dignity and honour that define the Yoruba race.
“Today marks a very great day in the history of Nigeria and the particular history of the Yoruba Race.
“You cannot find any further definition farther away from our culture, If you go further from Awujale, you will learn a lot of wisdom.
“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.
“The Governor has admonished us for the unity, our respect and history of this well-respected father.
“We have to be more united bonded in the spirit that he left behind, cherish his legacy and appreciate him in death.
“His legacy will endure it is left for you and me to reflect the culture and the value he presented, he stated.
President Tinubu highlighted the pivotal role of the late Awujale, Oba Adetona in Nigeria’s democratic history, stressing that the nation’s narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging his profound contributions.
He also expressed deep gratitude for the support he received from the late paramount ruler during his campaign for the 2023 presidential elections, noting that the monarch’s prayers for a resounding victory played a significant role in his success.
“I could recount the June 12 episode, our episodes in his palace were for real determination to reverse the annulment of the June 12 presidential elections, Baba was steadfast and resolute in his support.
“I was successful because of your support and the blessing of the late, Awujale, I came to him and he blessed me and he said you will win that election and you will win another one and today he is no more.
“That he lived to see the calendar as a 91-year-old and to be honoured with the Grand Commander of the Niger, I am proud to even go through that motion and the emotional attachment that I have with him,” the President added.
Earlier at the Igbeba residence of Oba Adetona, the President visited and prayed at the tomb of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Adetona.
President Tinubu spoke in private with the widows,Children and other members of the immediate family of the late Awujale, he commiserated with the family and prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the late Oba Adetona, and grant his widows long life.
At the Igbeba family Court, President Tinubu was received by the immediate members of the late Awujale’s family, led by Oloori Agba Iyabode Adetona, Oloori Adekemi Adetona, Oloori Modupe, amongst other children Imperial Adetutu amongst many others
Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, described the late Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as more than just a monarch.
He said the late paramount ruler was the voice of the voiceless, a revered patriarch whose enduring legacy will continue to inspire leadership.
“Under Oba Adetona’s leadership, Ijebu land witnessed unprecedented leadership, Kabiyesi upheld the dignity of Ijebu culture and upheld the dignity of the Yoruba race, his reign brought prestige to our land,”Governor Abiodun added.
Acknowledging the presence of President and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the fidau prayer, the Ogun State Governor expressed gratitude for their support and highlighted that the State’s local initiatives serve as a powerful extension of the President’s Renewed Hope vision, fostering lasting legacies of prosperity.
In an Islamic sermon, Imam Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, whose teachings were grounded in justice and equality for all, emphasised the vital importance of remaining mindful of the connection between this worldly life and the hereafter.
“The day God said we must fear most is the day death visits, we must relate this world with the hereafter, coming to the world is involuntary and leaving is inevitable, our tomorrow will be better than today but that will be based on what we do with our today.
He noted that the late Awujale, Oba Adetona was a truthful traditional ruler who ruled in the fear of God.
“He came to the world with Islam and he left with Islam” Imam Balogun added.
The President was accompanied to the Awujale’s fidau prayers by Governors led by Chairman Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, Members of the cabinet, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani amongst others.
Also led members of the Senate to the fidau prayers was the Senate Leader 10th Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Seriake Dickson, Senator Olamilekan Yaayi, Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representatives
Hon.Ibrahim Isiaka, House of Representatives Member representing Abeokuta North/Obafemi Owode/Odeda, Olumide Osoba.
Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, passed away on July 13 at the age of 91, he was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers, having ascended the throne in 1960, he reigned for 65years.