Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recalled the counsel and prayers received from the late late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu who disclosed this at the eighth-day prayer held on Sunday for the late monarch at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, said the Awujale was a pride of the Yoruba race.
According to him, “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 blessed us, especially if we heed the richness of his wisdom. I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings.”
He described the monarch as an embodiment of integrity, humility, culture, dedication, and service to humanity while noted that the late Awujale left behind legacies worthy of emulation.
The President said, “Today marks a significant day in our nation’s history, particularly in the history of the Yoruba people. Nowhere will you find a better definition of our culture than in the life of the late Awujale”.
The President also described Oba Adetona as a worthy leader—bold, courageous, and truthful—adding that “he would never deceive you.”
“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 said.
In a statement released by his aide, the President commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his exemplary relationship with the late Oba and for caring for him both in life and death.
“I have listened to Governor Abiodun and cannot express how much I thank you for caring for our father, a leader of our conscience. Before he died, he brought honour to the Yoruba race. I’m extremely proud of him; he was always there for us in times of need,” President Tinubu stated.
“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. That he lived to see the calendar as a 91-year-old, and to witness the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Niger at age 90, is a source of immense pride.”
The President offered prayers for strength and solace for the bereaved family and all those mourning the passing of the departed Oba.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun thanked the President for coming to commiserate with the family of the late Awujale. He highlighted the numerous contributions the late monarch made to Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.
“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was more than a monarch. He lived a full life of 91 years, with 65 years on the throne,” he 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, the Grand Mufti of Egbaland, offered prayers for the late monarch and reflected on the certainty of death. The Imam reminded the gathering that “only our good deeds while on earth will be of any worth upon our death.”
Earlier, at the Igbeba Palace of the late Oba, President Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, offered solemn prayers at the Oba’s tomb for the repose of his soul. He later held a private meeting with the Oba’s family.
The Awujale of Ijebuland passed away on Sunday, July 13, and was interred the following day.
