President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family, government, and people of Ogun State over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland.
In a statement released by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said, “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. 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.”
Tinubu described Oba Adetona as “a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.”
He added, “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.”
The President further noted, “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.”
Tinubu also highlighted his personal relationship with the late monarch, saying, “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.”
The President concluded by extending his condolences to the family, government, and people of Ogun State, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland, saying, “As the nation mourns Oba Adetona’s passing, I extend my condolences to the family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government, and 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.”