The late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Ode, Oba Sikuru Kayode Adetona, who died just hours after the announcement of the death of his longtime friend and former president, Muhammadu Buhari would be buried by 4:00 pm today (Monday).
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Prince Adedire Adetona on behalf of the royal family in a statement described the late monarch as a “courageous leader, a revered hero, and a symbol of dignity and strength.”
The statement stressed that Oba Adetona lived a remarkable life dedicated to serving his people.
“With deep sorrow but profound gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, The Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogbagba II,” the statement read.
According to the statement, mourners and guests are to proceed directly to the burial venue, where condolences would be received.
Ogun Govt. fixes 4:00p.m. for burial of Oba Adetona
The Ogun State Government has fixed 4:00 p.m. on Monday for the final burial rites of Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, on Monday in Abeokuta, said the remains of the paramount ruler would be laid to rest at Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.
Talabi urged residents of the state to remember the family of the revered traditional ruler in their prayers.
Obanikoro mourns Awujale of Ijebuland
A former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, has described the death of Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a painful loss.
Reacting to the traditional ruler’s death in an interview with NAN on Monday, Obanikoro described him as an iconic and dignified ruler.
Adetona died on Sunday ,aged 91.
He said the traditional ruler’s passing brought more grief as it occurred on the same day former President Muhammadu Buhari died.
He praised the traditional ruler’s 65-year reign, which he said was marked by unwavering duty, honour and selfless service to his people.
“The passage of his royal majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona(Awujale of ijebu land) though expected because it is the necessary end of life, is, however, very painful.
“It is indeed a major loss to Nigeria and Yorubaland in particular. We have lost an exemplary and transformational leader .
“He paid detailed and particular attention to the growth and development of his people, both individually and collectively,” Obanikoro said.
Obanikoro, also a former Minister of State for Defence, said that the king embodied integrity.
“In a country where people easily compromise their moral values and integrity, he stood out.
“He stood for honesty and truth, regardless of the inherent threat to his personal well-being. Kabiyesi will be sorely missed,” he said.
Obanikoro extended his condolences to the the royal family, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, and the people of Ogun.
He prayed for Adetona’s peaceful rest and asked for strength to uphold the values and legacy he left behin.
Awujale: A symbol of unity, cultural preservation – Bello
A former Kogi governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has mourned revered Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.
Bello, in a statement by his media aide, Michael Ohiare, on Monday in Lokoja, described the late Adetona as a symbol of unity, cultural preservation, and advancement.
He said that Oba Adetona’s 65-year reign, which began in 1960, the same year Nigeria gained independence, brought enviable progress to Ijebu Ode and the entire Ijebuland.
The former governor also highlighted the traditional rulers role in introducing and popularising the annual Ojude Oba festival, cementing his status as an iconic national figure.
According to him, given the monarch’s age and accomplishments, his passing would be best described as a celebration of life well-lived.
“Oba Adetona’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come,” he said.
Bello extended heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the government and people of Ogun State, and the nation.
He prayed that the Almighty God would grant the soul of the late Awujale eternal rest and give those mourning the fortitude to bear the loss.
The former governor also called for divine guidance for the ancient Ijebu Kingdom during the period of succession.
Buhari, Awujale’s passing a national loss- Senator Alli
Sen. Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
This is contained in a statement issued by his Media Office on Monday in Ibadan.
Both former President Buhari and Oba Adetona died on Sunday at the ages of 82 and 91, respectively.
Alli said Buhari’s passing marked the end of a remarkable era of patriotic and principled national service.
He described Buhari’s legacy as one built on discipline, integrity and selflessness, saying it would remain etched in Nigeria’s political history.
The senator praised Buhari’s leadership as both military Head of State and two-term civilian president, describing him as a symbol of loyalty, sacrifice and commitment to Nigeria’s development.
He extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the late president’s family, Katsina State Government and Nigerians, praying for God’s comfort and the peaceful repose of a man he called a symbol of national responsibility.
Alli, also the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, expressed grief at the passing of Oba Adetona, describing him as a symbol of royal excellence, integrity and patriotism.
He hailed the late Oba Adetona’s 65-year reign, applauding his peaceful stewardship, cultural preservation and developmental strides that bridged generations and promoted unity across Yorubaland, as well as Nigeria.
The lawmaker said that Oba Adetona’s long reign was marked by wisdom, justice, fairness and voice for democracy in Nigeria’s evolving socio-political space.
Alli extended heartfelt condolences to the Ogun State Government, the Adetona family, Ijebu chiefs, the Ijebu people and the entire Yoruba race, urging them to find solace in his enduring legacy.
He prayed for peace and stability during the transition period and for a worthy succession that would uphold the values and vision the late king embodied throughout his reign.