President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as a symbol of integrity, humility, cultural pride, and selfless service to humanity. Speaking at the eighth-day Fidau prayer held on Sunday, July 20, at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the revered monarch, who passed away on July 13 and was buried the next day.
“Today marks a significant moment in the history of our nation and, in particular, the Yoruba people,” the President said. “The life of the Awujale is a true definition of our culture—rich, dignified, and principled. He was a man of honour whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.”
President Tinubu noted the deep personal connection he shared with the late monarch, recalling the support, prayers, and blessings he received from Oba Adetona throughout his political journey—from his days as Governor of Lagos State to his 2023 presidential campaign.
“I succeeded because of your support and the blessings of the late Awujale. I came to him, and he prayed for me, saying, ‘You will win that election.’ Today, he is no more, but the richness of his wisdom remains with us,” the President said.
Describing Oba Adetona as a bold, courageous, and honest leader, President Tinubu added: “He would never deceive you. He was a man of truth, a leader of conscience, and a voice of moral authority.”
The President emphasized the need for unity in honour of the late monarch’s enduring legacy. “To truly honour this great man, we must remain united and uphold the values he represented. Institutions have been named after him, but more importantly, we must live by his example,” he said.
President Tinubu also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering support and care for the late monarch, both in life and in death. “I thank you, Governor Abiodun, for taking care of our father. Oba Adetona brought dignity and honour to the Yoruba race, and he was always there for us, especially during the June 12 struggle,” the President stated.
In his own tribute, Governor Abiodun described the Awujale as more than a monarch—“a moral compass” whose 65-year reign brought unprecedented development to Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large.
“Oba Sikiru Adetona lived a full life of 91 years, and his reign marked a transformative era for Ijebuland. He championed justice, promoted unity across religious lines, and stood for the dignity of his people,” the Governor said.
As part of efforts to immortalize the revered monarch, Governor Abiodun announced the renaming of the Tai Solarin College of Education to Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Science and Technology.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visited the Igbeba Palace of the late monarch. There, he offered solemn prayers at the tomb of the Awujale and held a private meeting with the Oba’s family.
Among those who accompanied the President on the condolence visit were Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Also present were Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (former Governor of Ogun State), former Governors Olusegun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun, the First Ladies of Ogun and Kwara States—Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq—and former Ogun First Lady, Mrs. Olufunke Daniel.
Notable federal officials in attendance included Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Solomon Adeola; Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olumide Osoba; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
Muslim clerics, led by Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, Grand Mufti of Egbaland, offered prayers for the repose of the late monarch’s soul, reminding attendees of life’s transience and the enduring value of good deeds.
In separate remarks, Senator Gbenga Daniel commended the President’s presence at the event, noting it brought immense joy to the Ijebu community and reaffirmed the close bond between Tinubu and the late Oba.
The Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Abdulrazaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola, echoed the sentiment, describing President Tinubu’s attendance as a powerful symbol of gratitude, loyalty, and national unity.
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