Tinubu Mourns Awujale of Ijebuland, Describes Him as Towering Traditional Ruler
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most revered and impactful traditional rulers.
The President, in a statement issued Saturday night by the State House, said the monarch’s death struck him with “double pain” as it coincided with the passing of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“One of Nigeria’s most outstanding, foremost, and revered traditional rulers, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has joined his ancestors after over 65 remarkable years on the throne,” Tinubu said.
He noted that Oba Adetona’s demise had left an enormous vacuum within both the traditional institution in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
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Describing the late monarch as a “towering natural ruler,” the President praised his leadership, dignity, and unwavering sense of duty throughout his reign, which he said brought tremendous progress and development to Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebuland.
“During his remarkable reign, Oba Adetona provided uncompromising leadership. In his over six decades on the throne—having ascended it at the young age of 26—he championed the cause of unity and development, and often stood as a voice of reason during national crises,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the late monarch, President Tinubu described Oba Adetona as a confidante, honest arbiter, and reliable leader.
“I found his company comforting, his wisdom enriching, and his candour empowering,” the President added.
He further highlighted the monarch’s contributions to education and philanthropy, particularly through the establishment of the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
As Nigeria mourns, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the royal family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government and people of Ogun State, and all sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
“May our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we all be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service,” the President said.
By PRNigeria
