President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the death of His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who passed away after more than 65 years on the throne.
The news of Oba Adetona’s demise came on Sunday night, coinciding with the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, deepening the nation’s sense of loss.
In a heartfelt statement, President Tinubu described Oba Adetona as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding and revered traditional rulers, whose leadership spanned over six decades, beginning at the youthful age of 26.
The Awujale was celebrated for his dignified and visionary stewardship that brought significant progress and development to Ijebu-Ode and the wider Ijebuland.
“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty,” the President said. He highlighted the late monarch’s role as a unifying voice during times of national crisis and praised his unwavering commitment to national unity and progress.
President Tinubu also reflected on his personal relationship with the late Awujale, describing him as an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader whose wisdom and candour were a source of comfort and empowerment.
The President paid tribute to Oba Adetona’s philanthropic efforts and his support for education, notably through the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, which stands as a lasting monument to his legacy.
As the nation mourns, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the family of the late monarch, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State government, and the people of Ijebuland.
“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service,” he concluded.
