Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun led a host of eminent personalities in eulogising the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at his 8th Day Fidau Prayer held on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The solemn event, at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, saw President Tinubu openly acknowledge the significant contributions of the revered monarch to his success in the 2023 presidential election. Oba Adetona passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, after reigning for over 65 years.
The Fidau Prayer was graced by a distinguished gathering, including the Governors of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji; Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq. Also in attendance were the Deputy Governors of Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo states, former governors Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun, members of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, various Ministers, and numerous traditional rulers.
The Senator representing Ogun Central senatorial district, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who also chairs the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, joined Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in paying respects during the 8th Day Fidau prayer for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at the Dipo Dina International Stadium on Sunday.
President Tinubu further highlighted the late Awujale’s unwavering support and resolute stance during the struggle for the revalidation of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola.
“The Awujale was always there for us. He supported us during the June 12 annulment. He was steadfast and resolute. He was sincere, bold, courageous, and truthful. He would not deceive you,” the President insisted, underscoring the monarch’s integrity and courage.
The President described Oba Adetona as a true pride to the Yoruba land, noting that beyond his truthfulness, he was courageous, bold, and honest in championing causes he believed were just. Oba Adetona, President Tinubu added, brought immense dignity to the Yoruba race, asserting that Yoruba history would be incomplete without acknowledging the profound contributions of the Awujale.
While expressing gratitude for the monarch’s long life, having lived to 91 years, the President also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his diligent care towards the late Oba. He urged the populace to unite and uphold the enduring legacies left behind by the revered Awujale.
Speaking earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun paid tribute to Oba Adetona, describing him as a “moral compass” whose reign ushered in unprecedented development to Ijebuland.
According to Governor Abiodun, the late Oba not only upheld the dignity and rich culture of Ijebuland but also served as a powerful voice for the less privileged and a mentor to countless individuals, leaving an indelible positive impact during his lifetime.
The Governor further noted that the Awujale was a man of unshaken faith who skillfully utilised his position to foster unity among his people, irrespective of their religious differences. This, he added, significantly promoted religious harmony within Ijebuland and the state at large.
Governor Abiodun concluded by calling on the people to reflect deeply on the life and legacies of the Awujale and to maintain peace for the continuous development of both the state and the nation.
