President Bola Tinubu has declared that the late Awujale of Ijebuland’s blessings and support were part of the driving force that made him President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 Presidential Election.
President Tinubu, while paying tribute to the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland at his 8th-Day Fidau (Burial) Prayer held at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State on Sunday, described the late monarch as a leader of “conscience and dignity”.
The president, who was received at exactly 12:45pm by the former Governor Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State, an Aremo, “traditional first born” of Ijebuland before proceeding to Ogbagba Court in Igbeba, the late Awujale’s private residence, emphasised that if there were no royal blessings of the revered Ijebu monarch, backed by the supports of people, he wouldn’t have become Nigeria President.
Recalling his visitation to the Oba Adetona’s Palace during the build-up to the year 2023 Presidential election, President Tinubu said that the late monarch not only blessed him, but also assured him of victory at the Poll.
Read also: End of an era: Ijebu bids farewell as Oba Sikiru Adetona is laid to rest
Speaking further, the president described the late Oba Adetona as an “irreplaceable leader” who brought “honour” and”pride” to the Yoruba race, recalling the fatherly words of encouragement and supports, which himself and other agitators of June 12, 1993 Presidential election mandate, received from the late Awujale, which he said, eventually culminated in the over 26 years of an ubroken democratic governance being enjoyed in the country till date.
“Today marks a very great day in the history of our nation and particularly the history of our race, the Yoruba race. You can find any further definition of our culture. If you go further from Awujale, you will learn a lot.
“For me standing before you today, I thank God Almighty that I stand before you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our history would not have been completed carefully and richly if I failed in the last election. I was successful because of his support and the blessings”.
“I went to him, he blessed me and said, ‘you are winning that election and you will win second term. Go ahead.’ Today he is no more. He is gone. God has blessed us. If you listened to the richness of his wisdom, I’m extremely proud of him”.
“He was alwthere in times of need for all of us. I could recount the June 12 episode: our protests and its balance and for real, our resistance. Our determination to reverse the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election. Baba was steadfast, he was resolute and very encouraging”.
“That he lived to see the Calendar as a 91 year old person; to be honoured at his 99th birthday as the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON); I am very honoured. He was very honest, very bold and very truthful, he would not deceive you. He is gone”.
Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who was the host governor, called on all sons, daughters and residents of Ijebu- Ode and the entire Ijebuland to join hands towards building on the legacies and foundations laid by the late Awujale.
Read also: Photos: Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, laid to rest in Ijebu Ode
“In our unity lies the strength”, Abiodun charged that residents of Ijebu Ode and the entire Ijebuland must not allow discord to undermine the late Awujale’s legacies, declaring that the eyes of the nation is upon us.
“Awujale sustain the harmony and dignity he so earnestly preserved. Kabiyesi was not just a ruler, he was a mentor, a visionary, a moral compass who stood as a touring symbol of dignity to stability. As we bid farewell to this exceptional monarch, let his memories continue to inspire us”.
