President Tinubu Extols Late Awujale Adetona’s Integrity, Unity Calls at Memorial

Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State – President Bola Tinubu on Sunday led tributes to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing him as an embodiment of integrity, humility, culture, dedication, and service to humanity. The President spoke at the eighth-day prayer for the monarch, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, and was interred the following day.

A Pride of the Yoruba Race
Speaking at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, President Tinubu hailed the late Awujale as a “pride of the Yoruba race,” emphasizing that his life offered a profound definition of Yoruba culture. “Nowhere will you find a better definition of our culture than in the life of the late Awujale,” he stated.

Legacies of Support and Wisdom
President Tinubu highlighted Oba Adetona’s enduring legacies, urging emulation of his virtues. He recalled the invaluable prayers and steadfast support he received from the late monarch during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and leading up to his presidential victory. “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 has blessed us, especially if we heed the richness of his wisdom,” the President affirmed.

He further described Oba Adetona as a “worthy leader—bold, courageous, and truthful,” adding that “he would never deceive you.”

Call for Unity and Enduring Legacy
To honor the departed monarch, President Tinubu called for greater unity among the people, urging them to be “bonded in the spirit he left behind.” He noted that institutions have been named after the Awujale, ensuring his legacy will endure. “It is up to each of us to remember the values he represented. May God grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he prayed.

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Commendation for Governor Abiodun
The President commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his exemplary relationship with the late Oba, acknowledging his care for the monarch throughout his life and in 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,” President Tinubu remarked. He also reflected on the Awujale’s steadfastness during the June 12 struggle, expressing immense pride that Oba Adetona lived to be 91 and witnessed the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Niger at age 90.

Governor Abiodun’s Tribute
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his remarks, thanked President Tinubu for his condolence visit and emphasized the late monarch’s significant contributions to Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria. “Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was more than a monarch. He lived a full life of 91 years, with 65 years on the throne,” Governor Abiodun stated, adding that “His reign brought development not only to Ijebuland, but across the Western region and Nigeria as a whole.”

Prayers and Reflections
Muslim clerics, led by Imam Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, the Grand Mufti of Egbaland, offered prayers for the late monarch, reminding the congregation of the certainty of death and the importance of good deeds.

Presidential Condolence Visit
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, offered solemn prayers at the Oba’s tomb at the Igbeba Palace. He later held a private meeting with the Oba’s family.

Among those accompanying the President were Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (Lagos). Also in attendance were former Ogun State Governors Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Olusegun Osoba, and Ibikunle Amosun, along with several other dignitaries, ministers, and political leaders.

Widespread Appreciation
A cross-section of mourners lauded President Tinubu’s presence, with Senator Gbenga Daniel noting that it greatly excited the Ijebu community and underscored the strong relationship between the President and the late Awujale. The Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Abdulrazaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola, interpreted the President’s attendance as a “significant and symbolic gesture, acknowledging past support and reinforcing connections.”