President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing the loss as a personal and national tragedy that struck with double pain, coming on the same day as the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In an emotional tribute he personally issued, President Tinubu said the revered monarch’s demise Sunday night left an enormous void in the traditional leadership of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
“I received the news of this transition Saturday 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”, the President said.
Describing the late monarch as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding and revered traditional rulers, Tinubu said Oba Adetona’s over 65-year reign on the Ijebu throne was marked by dignity, progress, and unshakable dedication to duty.
“Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty,” he said.
The monarch, who ascended the throne at the age of 26, ruled Ijebuland for more than six decades, guiding his people through times of transformation and national uncertainty.
President Tinubu noted that the Awujale consistently played the role of a stabilising voice during Nigeria’s difficult moments.
“In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason,” Tinubu said, adding that Oba Adetona’s leadership brought tremendous progress and development to Ijebu-Ode and its environs.
Reflecting on their close relationship, Tinubu described the Awujale as “an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile.”
“I enjoyed an excellent personal relationship with Kabiyesi. I will forever cherish our time together. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering,” the President added.
Beyond traditional leadership, Tinubu hailed Oba Adetona’s legacy of philanthropy and commitment to education.
He praised the monarch’s enduring contribution to scholarship through the establishment of the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
“Oba Adetona’s sterling qualities of service, philanthropy, investment in education, and research… will be enduring monuments in his memory,” the President said.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Adetona family, the government and people of Ogun State, particularly Governor Dapo Abiodun, and all sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
“As the nation mourns Oba Adetona’s passing… may our departed Kabiyesi find eternal rest, and may we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service,” the President said.
