L-R: Son of the late Kabiyesi, Ade Adetona; daughter, Aboderin Adetona; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; Governor Dapo Abiodun; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the 8th day Fidau Prayer for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Kayode Adetona on Sunday
By Nudoiba Ojen
Tributes poured in for the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, in Ijebu Ode on Sunday.
Eminent Nigerians gathered on Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode for the 8th Day Fidau Prayer for the late Oba Adetona.
They included President Bola Tinubu; First Lady Remi Tinubu; Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) and former Ogun State governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun.
Others present included the Deputy Governors of Ogun, Lagos and Oyo states, members of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, ministers and traditional rulers among others.
President Tinubu acknowledged the huge contributions of the late monarch towards his success in the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu said that the late Oba Adetona was steadfast and resolute in his support for the revalidation of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
The president said, “The Awujale was always there for us. He supported us during the June 12 annulment. He was steadfast and resolute. He was very honest, bold, courageous, and truthful. He would not deceive you”.
According to Tinubu, the late Oba Adetona was a pride to Yoruba land, noting that apart from being truthful, he was also courageous, bold, and honest while supporting a cause he believed was right.
The President noted that Oba Adetona brought dignity to the Yoruba race, adding that Yoruba history would not be complete without the contributions of the Awujale.
He thanked God for granting the deceased monarch a long life to live up to 91 years and appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for his care towards the late Oba, calling on the people to unite and cherish the legacies the Awujale left behind.
Speaking earlier, the Governor Abiodun, described the Awujale as a moral compass whose reign brought unprecedented development to Ijebuland.
Abiodun said that the late traditional ruler, apart from upholding the dignity and culture of Ijebuland, was a voice for the less privileged and served as a mentor to many, adding that he made a positive impact during his lifetime.
The governor said, “The Awujale was a man of unshaken faith who used his position to unite his people despite their religious differences, thus promoting religious harmony in Ijebuland and the state in general.
Governor Abiodun called on the people to reflect on the life and legacies of the Awujale and remain peaceful for the continued development of the state and the country.
