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Tag: Awujale

  • Governors, Osinbajo, Dangote honour Awujale

    Governors, Osinbajo, Dangote honour Awujale

    Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote were among those who honoured Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona yesterday.

    Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola and his counterpart in Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stood in as Federal Government delegation at farewell event for the foremost traditional ruler.

    Read Also:Awujale will be remembered for forthright leadership – Speaker Abbas

    Others were; Ogun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Senators Gbenga Daniel; Salis Shuaib and Solomon Adeola.

    Governor Abiodun’s wife Bamidele, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s wife Funso; the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Land, Olorogun Sunny Kuku; Chairman of Odua Investment, Abimbola Ashiru; Olori Omooba of Ijebu Land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, and many sons and daughters of the city also attended the event.

  • Controversy as traditionalists, Muslim worshippers clash over burial rituals of Awujale

    Controversy as traditionalists, Muslim worshippers clash over burial rituals of Awujale

    A mild drama on Monday almost marred the final rites of passage for Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as traditionalists were prevented from conducting customary burial rituals at the monarch’s private residence.

    The Nation reports Oba Adetona joined his ancestors on Sunday at 91 and was buried according to Islamic rites on Monday, July 14.

    The traditionalists, who arrived in large numbers in anticipation of performing the age-long traditional rites, were denied access.

    Viral videos seen by The Nation observed that scene turned into a “mild drama,” as chants from the traditional worshippers clashed with some Muslim faithful.

    The development follows the enforcement of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers traditional rulers to be buried according to their personal religious convictions rather than strictly by native rites.

    Read Also: Awujale will be remembered for forthright leadership – Speaker Abbas

    Specifically, Section 55 of the law provides that while customary practices may still be applied during a monarch’s burial, these must comply with the wishes of the deceased and follow outlined procedures.

    Subsections (iii) to (v) spell out the procedural safeguards required to apply traditional customs, effectively allowing a monarch to opt out of ancestral rites.

    Traditionalists accused the government of eroding centuries-old customs.

    The late Awujale, one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs, was a known Muslim and expressed a desire for Islamic burial, which was eventually observed.

    The Awujalẹ initiated a bill titled “State Traditional Rulers (Installation and Burial Rites) Bill 2020” that was sent to the House of Assembly, which passed the bill, and Governor Dapo Abiodun signed it into law.

    Responding in January 2022, Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun said: “Of course this is without prejudice to traditional rites that is meant to be performed by the customary, but it clarifies and removes any ambiguity about the fact that the families of our Kabiyesis (monarch) now have a say in how they want our royal fathers to be buried and I think this is very laudable”

  • Osinbajo, Osoba, Dangote, others pay last respects as Awujale is laid to rest

    Osinbajo, Osoba, Dangote, others pay last respects as Awujale is laid to rest

    The remains of the late Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were committed to the earth in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State in line with with the Islamic faith. 

    The late Adetona vehemently advocated a demised Ijebu monarch should be buried according to requirements of the monarch’s religion.

    The nonagenarian and longest reigned traditional ruler in the Southwest was interred in a dome – like mausoleum at his private residence, Ogbagba Court Igbeba, Ijebu Ode around 6pm after islamic rites presided over by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheik Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo.

    The ready-made tomb was constructed by the late Awujale besides his parents.

    Moves by traditionalists, who arrived in large numbers ostensibly to perform the age-long traditional rites, were rebuffed. 

    They were asked to leave the venue by security operatives that included personnel of the Army.

    Eminent Nigerians who trooped into the residence to bid him final farewell included the former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as well as Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who joined his Ogun counterpart Dapo Abiodun for the funeral rites. 

    Also on ground to pay last respect was the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who led a Federal Government delegation that included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Prince Gboyega Odetola, to Ijebu Ode for the funeral rites of Awujale which was delayed for about two hours.

    The paramount Ijebu monarch passed away at 91.

    Read Also: Awujale will be remembered for forthright leadership – Speaker Abbas

    Others included the former Ogun Governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola; former Deputy Governor, Senator Gbenga Kaka, as well as the Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola among others.

    Daniel told reporters:  “Without any doubt. The situation in Ijebuland cannot be the same again because the people had been used to paternal support of the great grand father, who had navigated the land successfully and the people of this community has no choice than to come together to continue from where Kabiyesi has left off.

    “It is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, you have a forthright personality, who can speak truth to all at a time, who can be described as fearless who abhors people telling lies and who is very straight forward to a fault.

    “Kabiyesi is not used to anybody who is diplomatic. He says it as it is. At the end of the day, in the course of that , he garnered his own detractors . People have said that he successfully won all the battles. He was strong from the beginning to the end I guess that the testimony as to the kind of life he lived was that he was indeed a forthright personalities”.

  • Alebiosu extols Awujale, Buhari’s legacies 

    Alebiosu extols Awujale, Buhari’s legacies 

    The Chairman of the Council of Otunbas of Ijebu-land, Otunba Busura Alebiosu, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, and to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Otunba Alebiosu described the late monarch as a symbol of royalty, dignity, courage, and wisdom whose reign redefined the modern traditional institution in Nigeria.

    In a solemn statement issued on behalf of the Council following the monarch’s passing, he said: “The Awujale was not just a king to the Ijebus, he was the soul of a people, the custodian of our heritage, and a global icon of integrity. His long and impactful reign, marked by fearlessness, intellect, and modernization, will remain an inspiration to generations unborn.”

    Otunba Alebiosu commiserated with all Ijebu sons and daughters across the world, saying the vacuum left by Oba Adetona’s transition is immense.

    “We are consoled by the indelible legacy he leaves behind one of service, truth, and unflinching patriotism. I urge every Ijebu man and woman to honour his memory by living out the values he cherished.”

    READ ALSO: Buhari’s last public appearances

    The Chairman also extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the passing of former President Buhari, describing him as a statesman whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, national security, and infrastructural development will remain enduring.

    He added that Buhari’s passing is not only a great loss to Nigeria but also to all who cherish peace, stability, and progress across the world.

    Otunba Alebiosu prayed for strength and wisdom for President Tinubu during this double moment of national grief and urged Nigerians to unite in sober reflection and collective prayer.

    He urged the Ijebu people and Nigerians as a whole to remain resilient, emphasising that they should draw strength from their shared history and continue to move forward with the courage exemplified by their departed leaders.

  • Awujale will be remembered for forthright leadership – Speaker Abbas

    Awujale will be remembered for forthright leadership – Speaker Abbas

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has extolled the virtues of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors on Sunday, at the age of 91.

    Speaker Abbas said the respected monarch, will be remembered for his forthright leadership and sincerity of purpose during his reign over Ijebuland.

    In his condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker lamented the loss of two great Nigerians—Oba Adetona and former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR—on the same day.

    READ ALSO: Buhari’s last public appearances

    While noting that Oba Adetona became the Awujale in 1960 and ruled Ijebuland for about 65 years, Speaker Abbas said the impact of his reign was felt beyond Ogun State, making him one of the kings to have hosted and counseled serving presidents.

    As one of the country’s longest-reigning traditional rulers, Speaker Abbas said the late Awujale was a blessing to the Ijebu people, rallying them towards the development of the land, and making Ojude Oba (the king’s court), an annual festival that is now attracting global attention to Ijebuland.

    The Speaker prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant Oba Adetona Jannatul Firdaus, while extending his condolences to the people and the government of Ogun State.

  • Markets, shops shut ahead of arrival of Awujale’s remains

    Markets, shops shut ahead of arrival of Awujale’s remains

    Major markets in Ijebu-Ode, including Oba Adetona Market and Ita Osu Market, were closed on Monday as indigenes and residents paid tribute to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.

    The markets, along with others in surrounding villages and towns, were shut in honour of the revered monarch, as preparations intensified for his burial scheduled for 4 p.m. at his private residence, Ogbagba Court, Igbeba.

    The closure was part of Ijebuland’s cultural tradition, allowing all sons and daughters of the land to mourn a ruler often revered as the “Orisa Ijebu” (deity of Ijebuland).

    Executive Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, stated that the gesture reflected the community’s deep respect for the monarch’s extraordinary legacy.

    At Ogbagba Court, dozens of traditional staff bearers from various Ijebu communities gathered, displaying royal insignia and paying their final respects.

    READ ALSO; Adeleke slams Aregbesola Over 2026 guber threat, labels his tenure worst in Osun history

    Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, confirmed that Oba Adetona would be laid to rest at 4 p.m. in line with Islamic rites and in accordance with the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law (2021, as amended).

    Security around the Awujale’s palace at Oba Adetona Archway, Ita-Ale, was heightened, with armed personnel from the Nigerian Army’s Sappers Barracks, Ilese Ijebu, seen guarding the area.

    Meanwhile, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, led a government delegation to console the Adetona family. She also signed the condolence register on behalf of the state government and extended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s sympathies to the bereaved family.

  • Awujale promoted good governance, democratic ideals, says NIPSS

    Awujale promoted good governance, democratic ideals, says NIPSS

    The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) said on Monday that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, contributed immensely to the promotion of good governance in the country.

    In a condolence message issued in Abuja, the Director General of the Institute, Ayo Omotayo, said the late Monarch also contributed immensely to the emancipation of Nigeria into a democratic country, leading the democracy being practised in the country today.

    The Institute said Awujale was a true leader who was committed to nurturing ethical leadership, fostering good governance, and empowering future generations with the values necessary for national development.

    The statement reads, “It is with a heavy heart that the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, mourns the passing away of our father and charismatic traditional ruler, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Ogbagba II.

    “The late icon who joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13, 2025, has contributed immensely to the emancipation of Nigeria into a democratic country that we are all proud of today.

    READ ALSO; Adeleke slams Aregbesola Over 2026 guber threat, labels his tenure worst in Osun history

    “Kabiyesi Awujale’s unwavering, unparalleled and enviable contributions to the development of good governance in Nigeria echo around the world.

    “A manifestation of this uncommon commitment led to the endowment of the Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair on Good Governance and the eventual establishment of a first of its kind in Nigeria, ” School of Governance Studies” at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

    “The resilience and quest of the late Awujale for good governance in Nigeria and beyond led to the handing over of the School to the Federal Government of Nigeria during his 90th Birthday on May 10, 2024. 

    “However, the Federal Government, in ensuring that the Awujale legacy lives on, handed over the School to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. Now known as the NIPSS OBA (DR) SIKIRU KAYODE ADETONA SCHOOL OF GOVERNANCE STUDIES (NIPSS-OSKASOGS).

    “The School, in fulfilment of Awujale’s dreams, has started filling the capacity gap in governance for the private and public sectors in Nigeria.

    “The Awujale was a true leader who was committed to nurturing ethical leadership, fostering good governance, and empowering future generations with the values necessary for national development.

    “Sustaining the legacy of this great iconic, visionary Ruler of Ijebuland will be by making the School one of the best in Governance Studies around the world. This is the least we can do to uphold the unwavering and tenacious commitment of this great icon to good governance in Nigeria.

    “We will forever be grateful for his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support. His presence was a source of inspiration, and his legacy will continue to live on through the work we do, in every staff member and participant who walks through our doors, and in every leader who carries forward the principles he held so dear.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, who are undoubtedly devastated by this irreparable loss, the Ijebu Traditional Council, the people of Ijebuland, Ogun State government and Nigeria at large. May his noble soul rest in perfect peace.

    “The country mourns you!  Ogun State mourns you!! Ijebuland mourns you!!! NIPSS mourns you!!! Adieu, Baba wa oninure.”

  • Awujale: Makinde commiserates with Ogun gov, residents

    Awujale: Makinde commiserates with Ogun gov, residents

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has described the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as the end of a glorious era.

    He commiserated with the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the residents of the state on the passage of Oba Adetona, who, according to Makinde, represented the height and beauty of royal prowess.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Awujale of Ijebuland for burial today

    The governor stated this on Monday, in a condolence message made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

    He prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the late monarch, while also praying to God to stand by the kingdom and the people he left behind.

  • BREAKING: Awujale of Ijebu dies at 91

    BREAKING: Awujale of Ijebu dies at 91

    Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has joined his ancestors at the age of 91.

    The monarch passed on Sunday, just hours after the death of his longtime friend and former president, Muhammadu Buhari, was announced.

    Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history.

    His friendship with Buhari dated back to the 1980s and was cemented under extraordinary circumstances.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

    In 1983, shortly before Muhammadu Buhari’s military coup, then Ogun State governor Olabisi Onabanjo had signed a formal order to depose Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. The removal was set to take effect on January 2, 1984.

    However, the military coup of December 31, 1983, which overthrew Nigeria’s civilian government, abruptly halted the plan. In a twist of fate, Buhari’s intervention inadvertently safeguarded Awujale’s throne.

  • League of Imams in Southwest, Edo, Delta to honour Awujale

    League of Imams in Southwest, Edo, Delta to honour Awujale

    The League of Imams and Alfas Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States will honour the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as the first-ever Amīr-ul-Mulūk-il-Muslimīn of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States at an event that will be held at Awujale Palace, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on October 8 by 2.00 pm.

      The letter of award from the League of Imams and Alfas Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta reads in part: “We also acknowledge your tremendous contributions to the growth and development of Islam in Southwest Nigeria, and other regions of the country. Your unwavering support for Arabic and Islamic education, scholarship, and community development has inspired generations. These contributions also manifested in the recent distribution of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to some Chief Imams in ljebuland, particularly the Grand Chief Imam of ljebuland, Shaykh Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo.

    Read Also: The Bob that is risky and his entanglements

     “Your leadership has fostered interfaith harmony, promoting peace and understanding among diverse communities.

    In recognition of your exemplary service to Islam and humanity, the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States has decided to honour you with the prestigious title of Amir-ul- Mulukin(Commander of the Muslim Kings) in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.

     “This esteemed title reflects your status as a pillar and champion of Islamic values and a symbol of unity among Muslims.”

    Quake the longest reigning first-class monarch in Nigeria, has accepted the title and he is expected to be joined at the award ceremony by members of the Ijebu Traditional Council (IYC), representatives of the Regberegbe (Age-grade association), and other illustrious sons and daughters of Ijebuland.