The late Awujale and supreme ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was praised by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, who called the late monarch a model traditional leader who brought immense honor, respect, and pride to the Yoruba race worldwide.
Tinubu recalled the late traditional leader’s support and contributions to his 2023 presidential campaign, saying that Yoruba’s rich history would not have been complete had he lost.
The late king was also characterized by the president as a brave democrat and trustworthy ally who supported the efforts to overturn the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election results, which were thought to have been won by the late
The late monarch was also characterized by the president as a brave democrat and trustworthy ally who supported the efforts to overturn the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election results, which were thought to have been won by the late MKO Abiola.
In accordance with Islamic customs, Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and was buried in his home in Ijebu Ode GRA on Monday, July 14, 2025.
This was revealed by Tinubu during the eight-day Fidau prayers held for the traditional ruler’s rest at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode. He was joined by his wife, Oluremi, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State, and other governors from the Southwest states of Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
If I had lost the last election, our history would not have been meticulously and richly finished.
Thanks to your encouragement and the late Awujale’s blessing, I was able to succeed.
“You are winning that election, and you will be put back in office,” he remarked after blessing me when I approached him.
He is no longer with us today. He is no longer there. As Governor Dapo Abiodun stated in his speech, “His depth of wisdom is unique,” he remarked.
According to Tinubu, Oba Adetona was a brilliant leader who upheld tradition and conscience and was highly valued.
He gave the Yoruba race honor, pride, and respect. He has my utmost pride. He was always there for us all when we needed him.
I could actually narrate the events of June 12 at his palace. Our opposition and resolve to overturn the June 12 annulment. Baba was unwavering, determined, and incredibly supportive.
“I always thought it was a huge honor that he lived to reach ninety-one and that he was given the GCON title on his 90th birthday. He was very sincere, brave, honest, and bold. He won’t lie to you,” he continued.
The President challenged others to carry on Awujale’s legacy, saying he did his bit well and departed at a very good age.
“Therefore, we the people must continue to build on the strong legacy of the royal father by prioritising unity and living in peace with one another as exemplified by the late monarch.
“We have to be more united, bonded in the spirit that he (Awujale) left behind. We must cherish his legacy and appreciate him in death.
“We have named institutions after him. His legacies will endure. It is left for you and me to reflect on the culture and values that he represented. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljana fridaous,” Tinubu stated. Speaking at the event,
Governor Abiodun hailed Oba Adetona as a distinguished and illustrious father, an irreplaceable monarch who redefined traditional institution leadership in the country.
The governor described the gathering as the celebration of the life of an exemplary royal father who lived life to the fullest at 91 and was defined by a remarkable and extraordinary reign with 65 years of sterling leadership and transformative impact across Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said Oba Adetona was more than a monarch; he was a voice to the voiceless, the fearless conscience of the nation, whose legacy would echo through time. “Ijebu land became prosperous under his reign. 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,” the governor added.
