President Tinubu, Southwest Leaders Pay Tribute to Late Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside governors, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries, paid heartfelt tributes on Sunday to the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, during the eight-day Fidau prayers held at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode. The President described the revered monarch as a courageous leader, an icon of tradition, and a symbol of Yoruba dignity and pride.

Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was buried the following day according to Islamic rites. He was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs, having ascended the throne in 1960 and ruled for 65 remarkable years.

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A Monarch Who Shaped History and Inspired Leadership

President Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Southwest governors, praised Oba Adetona as a traditional ruler who lived a life of honour and integrity. He recalled the monarch’s unwavering support for his presidential ambition in 2023 and his courageous role during Nigeria’s democratic struggles, particularly in the wake of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“Our history would not have been completed, carefully and richly, if I had failed in the last election,” Tinubu said. “I was successful because of your support and because of the blessing of the late Awujale. I came to him and he blessed me, and he said, ‘You are winning that election.’ Today, he is no more.”

The President hailed the late monarch as an embodiment of truth, honour, and loyalty, adding, “He was very honest, bold, courageous, and truthful. He will not deceive you.”

Reflecting on Oba Adetona’s legacy, Tinubu urged Nigerians to build on the values of peace, unity, and service that the monarch upheld. “We must cherish his legacy and appreciate him in death. We have named institutions after him. His legacies will endure.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun: A Voice for the Voiceless

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Oba Adetona as a distinguished leader whose reign redefined traditional leadership in Nigeria. Calling the gathering a celebration of life, Abiodun said the late Awujale was more than a monarch—he was a symbol of strength, reform, and visionary leadership.

“Ijebu land became prosperous under his reign,” the governor stated. “He became a bridge between our cherished past and the future. He upheld the dignity of Ijebu land while championing modern values as custodian of culture and tradition, and simultaneously a bold reformer.”

Abiodun called on the people of Ijebu Ode and Ijebu land to honour Oba Adetona’s legacy by living in unity and harmony. “Oba Awujale promoted peace and religious harmony. Let us therefore commit ourselves to preserving peace and harmony, and building on the strong foundation laid by the late Awujale.”

Prayers and Religious Reflections

The Fidau prayer, a significant Islamic rite, was led by Sheikh Jamiu Bello, President of the League of Alfas and Imams in the Southwest, alongside Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, Grand Imam of Ijebu land, and other clerics from across the region. Together, they prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul and offered words of wisdom to the gathered leaders and citizens.

In his sermon, Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, urged Nigeria’s political leaders to emulate the godliness, humility, and service to humanity exemplified by Oba Adetona. He reminded attendees of the inevitability of death and the need for justice, good governance, and sincere leadership.

Notable Dignitaries in Attendance

In addition to President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun, the Fidau prayer was attended by Kwara State Governor and NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and governors from Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo states. Former Ogun State governors, including Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and Chief Segun Osoba, were also present to pay their final respects.

Their collective presence underscored the significance of Oba Adetona’s legacy, which spanned over six decades and left an indelible mark not only in Ogun State but across the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

Markets Reopen, Honouring the Monarch’s Legacy

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, announced on Sunday that all major markets in the city—including Ita Osu, Ita Ale, and Oke Aje—would reopen on Monday, July 21, 2025. The markets had been closed since last Monday as part of the mourning rites for the late monarch.

Dispelling rumours that the closures would last 75 days, Alebiosu clarified, “At no time did the local government direct that the markets would remain closed for 75 days. That report is an outright falsehood.”

He explained that the temporary closure was a mark of honour for Oba Adetona, whom he described as “the Orisa of Ijebuland,” and thanked traders and residents for their cooperation during the mourning period.

As the final prayers echoed across Ijebu land, a unified message emerged from leaders, clerics, and citizens alike: Oba Sikiru Adetona was a monarch of rare wisdom and dignity. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy—rooted in truth, reform, and courage—will continue to shape the future of Ijebuland and Nigeria.