By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
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.
Oba Adetona’s demise on Sunday, came barely hours after his close friend and former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away same day in a United Kingdom hospital.
The revered monarch’s death was formally announced on Sunday night by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Reacting to the news of Oba Adetona’s passing, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he received the news of the transition Sunday night with double pain in his heart as it coincided with the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
The President in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, said the demise of Oba Adetona has left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
Tinubu stated, “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.
“I enjoyed an excellent personal relationship with Kabiyesi. I will forever cherish our time together.
“He was an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering.
“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.”
