President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, acknowledging the late monarch’s support as instrumental to his victory in the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking at the eight-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the revered monarch at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Tinubu described Oba Adetona as a courageous and principled traditional ruler whose legacy would forever resonate across the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.
“Our history would have been incomplete if I had not won the last election,” Tinubu said. “I was successful because of the support and prayers of the late Awujale. When I visited him, he blessed me and confidently declared I would win and be returned to office. Today, he is no more, but his wisdom and courage remain with us.”
The President extolled the late monarch’s virtues as a symbol of dignity, honour, and integrity. He recalled Oba Adetona’s pivotal role in the struggle to reverse the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, praising his unwavering stand in defence of democracy and truth.
“He was a man of great conscience, deeply rooted in tradition and culture, yet bold in reform. His reign brought immense pride to the Yoruba people,” Tinubu stated, adding that Oba Adetona’s 91 years on earth, including 65 years on the throne, were marked by uncommon leadership and dedication.
Tinubu, who was accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Southwest governors from Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, called on Nigerians to honour the late monarch by upholding his legacy of unity and peace.
“We must continue to build on his legacy by embracing unity, peace, and shared values. We have named institutions after him, but more importantly, we must live by his values,” the President added, praying for Allah’s mercy and eternal rest for the departed monarch.
In his remarks, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed Oba Adetona as a distinguished royal father and a transformative figure who redefined traditional leadership in Nigeria. He described the late Awujale as a fearless voice for the voiceless and a bridge between tradition and modernity.
“Under his reign, Ijebu land witnessed prosperity and progress. He was an unwavering advocate for peace, religious harmony, and development,” Abiodun noted, urging residents of Ijebu land to preserve the monarch’s legacy through unity and peaceful coexistence.
Leading the prayer session, the President of the League of Alfas and Imams in the Southwest, Sheikh Jamiu Bello, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, prayed for the repose of Oba Adetona’s soul and encouraged the living to emulate his devotion to service and faith.
Also delivering a brief sermon, the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Professor Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, urged political leaders to prioritise godliness, justice, and good governance, reminding them that death is inevitable and that all will ultimately give account to their Creator.
Dignitaries at the event included former Ogun State Governors Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and Chief Segun Osoba, among others. Oba Adetona passed away on July 13, 2025, and was laid to rest the following day according to Islamic rites.
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