Awujale, Oba Adetona

President Tinubu Mourns death of Awujale, says he’s honest arbiter, confidante, reliable leader

President Bola Tinubu has mourned over the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland att the age of 91.

President Tinubu, who described the Awujale was one of Nigeria’s most outstanding, foremost, and revered traditional rulers, joined his ancestors after over 65 remarkable years on the throne.

In a statement, which he personally signed, President Tinubu said, “I received the news of this transition Sunday night with double pain in my heart as it coincided with the passing of my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. The demise of Oba Adetona has left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.

“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.

“During his remarkable reign that witnessed tremendous progress and development in Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebuland, Oba Adetona provided uncompromising leadership to his people.

“In his over six decades on the throne, ascending at 26, Oba Adetona used his role as a foremost ruler to advance the cause of progress and national unity. In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason.”

The President said he enjoyed “an excellent personal relationship with Kabiyesi. I will forever cherish our time together.”

According to him, the Awujale was “an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering.”

He said Oba Adetona’s sterling qualities of service,  philanthropy, investment in education, and research through the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, will be enduring monuments in his memory.

 

“As the nation mourns Oba Adetona’s passing, I extend my condolences to the family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government, the people of Ogun State, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland.

 

“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service,” the President said.

 

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