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Tag: Oba Sikiru Adetona

  • Oba Sikiru Adetona at 90

    Oba Sikiru Adetona at 90

    •A revered and highly principled monarch joins the nonagenarian club

    It was a measure of his stature that the Federal Government participated significantly in the celebration of his 90th birthday on May 10. President Bola Tinubu decorated him for “his many years of meritorious service” to “our country and humanity.”  He received the second highest Nigerian national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

    The double celebration also marked his 64th coronation anniversary. The producer of the biopic ‘Awujale,’ Seun Oloketuyi, described him as “the longest-reigning first-class monarch in Nigeria,” saying there were “actually 19 books about Awujale that we saw written by different people.”  There is also an autobiography in existence.

    A high-profile Yoruba traditional ruler, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba Agbotewole II, the Awujale of Ijebu land, Ogun State, ascended the throne in April 1960, before he was 26. “I was able to apply wisdom and intelligence,” he said, in response to a question on how he was able to handle the exalted position at such a young age. 

    After his secondary education at Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutọla) College, Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956, he worked at the then Audit Department of the Western Region, Ibadan. In 1958, he resigned and travelled to the United Kingdom to study accountancy.

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    Ten years ago, when he turned 80, he was “optimistic that Ijebu State will be created in my lifetime,” describing it as “a viable vision.”  According to him, “Our demand is historical, justifiable and overdue.”  The agitation for the creation of Ijebu State, he said, had the blessing of the entire Ijebu people in Ogun State.

    In 2016, Oba Adetona made the headlines when he endowed a N250m professorial chair in Governance in the Department of Political Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Importantly, its objectives include “the initiation and execution of research that aims at finding solutions to contemporary challenges and issues of governance at local, state, national and global levels.” The deed spoke volumes about his promotion of education and good governance. Endowed professorships are uncommon in Nigerian universities, which is why his project is striking and exemplary.

    He took a step further by establishing the Oba Adetona School of Governance, also located at the same university, which is focused on “nurturing leaders and professionals equipped for the challenges of public governance and corporate leadership.” The vice chancellor of the university noted that Oba Adetona had contributed to the development of the post-graduate school through the donation of offices, lecture and seminar rooms, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) materials and a library. The presentation of a book, titled ‘Reinventing Governance in Nigeria: The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Model,’ during his 90th birthday celebration, underlined his legacy.

    It was a tribute to his vision that President Tinubu announced that the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos, would “take over the running and management” of the post-graduate school to ensure it benefits the entire country.

     His courageous pro-people role during the struggle for democracy in Nigeria between 1993 and 1999, under unprecedentedly repressive military rule, raised the level of public respect he enjoyed in the country. After the country returned to democracy in 1999, he notably resisted the lure of former President Goodluck Jonathan who sought his endorsement for reelection in 2015, in the face of public disenchantment with his administration.  It demonstrated his sense of dignity and honour as well as his sense of patriotism and good governance. 

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a tribute, said he also “championed the Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Eradication that has become a model in the entire country.”  His active pursuit of improved socio-economic conditions for the people is an example which shows that traditional rulers can be agents of development, and should be more involved in the country’s development.

    We congratulate Oba Adetona as he enters his nonagenarian years.   

  • Awujale’s fears over successor

    The annual Ojude-Oba festival which attracts dignitaries to Ijebu-Ode from far and near took place on Tuesday, with guests departing with memories of an issue that is of great concern to the chief host and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

    Not a few people were left wondering whether there was something known to the traditional ruler that was not revealed to his subjects as he pleaded passionately that moneybags should not be allowed to hijack the process that would produce his successor.

    He said: “When I eventually go, please go for a capable successor. Reject any candidate that would put Ijebu land in retrogression.

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    “If the next ruling house does not present a viable candidate, please reject him and go for the next ruling house with a capable candidate.

    “Do not go for moneybags that will destroy the achievements Ijebuland has recorded so far.”

    Renowned for his disciplined and forthright disposition, not a few of the people at the gathering nodded their heads in gestures of approval as the monarch made his passionate appeal.

    Ijebuland is known not to be in short supply of wealthy people, many of who are owners of some of the biggest business conglomerates in the country, while the traditional ruler himself is widely seen as a beneficiary of a credible succession process which installed him as the Awujale as a 26-year-old in 1960.

  • Between the Awujale and Otunba Mike Adenuga

    Between the Awujale and Otunba Mike Adenuga

    FOR billionaire chairman of Globacom, Otunba Mike Adenuga Jr, the family unit is not just an important institution of life but about the most important. And he sees the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, not just as a monarch but as a father. Little wonder Adenuga and his telecommunication company, Globacom, have become the default backers of any event organised by the respected monarch whether in personal or official capacity.

    So tight is the bond between the Apesin of Ijebuland and the Awujale that they have become each other’s confidants. Adenuga, ranked by Forbes as the second richest man in Nigeria, is connected to the Awujale with more than hailing from the same community. His mother, Oyindamola, hails from the Ijebu royal house, which makes him not just a friend and subject of the Awujale but also a brother.

    Adenuga is never tired of seeking opportunities to demonstrate his love for the Awujale. In terms of financial backing, his companies are always at the forefront of popular Ijebu festivals or events held under the Awujale’s watch. The Ojude Oba Festival, the jewel in the crown of Ijebu cultural showpieces, has been sponsored by Globacom in the past 12 years, and this year’s will not be an exception.

  • Between Otunba Subomi Balogun and Oba Sikiru Adetona

    One of the qualities of true friendship is for the two parties to understand and be understood; a bond with that special someone so deep that it outlasts the vagaries of an ever-changing world. This perfectly encapsulates the relationship between Oba Sikiru Adetona and Otunba Subomi Balogun. The friendship and sense of camaraderie between the two is like a deep-rooted tree whose roots only grow deeper as the years go by.

    Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, and Otunba Subomi Balogun, the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, are indeed very close. Those close to the two icons of the Ijebu nation attest to the fact that they have known each other for upwards of two decades, and, like fine, ageless wine which tastes as good as it did the day it was brewed, their friendship seems to be going stronger as they advance in years.

    Otunba Balogun does not miss out on any opportunity to help the Awujale in any project involving the latter. That much was evident during last month’s Ojude Oba festival where Otunba Balogun lavished financial and moral support on the monarch. His company, First City Monument Bank, also played small part behind Globacom, the major sponsors of the event, owned by another prominent son of Ijebuland, Dr. Mike Adenuga.

    With friends like Subomi Balogun, it is no surprise that the Ijebu monarch has experienced a long and peaceful reign.

  • First pictures of KSA after death rumour

    First pictures of KSA after death rumour

    Contrary to rumours floating on the internet that music legend King Sunny Ade is dead, The Nation can authoritatively confirm that the famed juju maestro is alive and well.

    On Wednesday, KSA as he is fondly called by his fans was in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, to pay a visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at his palace. The musician’s manager, Clement Ige, who had earlier dismissed the rumour made a picture of KSA’s visit to the traditional leader available to our correspondent.

    SunnyOn Monday, news of the juju musician’s death went viral on the internet.

    KSA, who was nominated for a Grammy award in 1987, turns 70 on September 22.

    On Sunday, April 24, he was honoured with a Silverbird Lifetime Entertainment Award alongside Victor Uwaifo and film maker Eddie Ugboma.

  • Amosun wades into Alake, Awujale royal feud

    Amosun wades into Alake, Awujale royal feud

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun may have waded into the festering disagreement between the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
    Recently, there have been exchange of bitter words between the two prominent Yoruba traditional rulers in Ogun state – Alake and Awujale, over the ranking of the Obas by the former(Alake).
    Last Monday, the Alake through 22 Egba chiefs, including 15 Ogboni chiefs, insisted that the Awujale remained the least in the echelon of status among the yoruba major traditional rulers.
    The Alake said his earlier listing of the Awujale as occupying the last position after the quartet of the Oni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Benin and Alake of Egbaland, “was supported by documentary evidence and therefore stands by his position.”
    According to the Egba Paramount ruler, the ranking of the Yoruba Traditional Rulers was carried out in 1937 by the then Ooni of Ife.
    The Alake’s statement was sequel to Oba Adetona’s last Thursday claims that the Alake was a junior chief in Egba forest under Alaafin who fled to Ibadan and that Alake is also of the same status with some Ijebu Obas like the Ebumawe of Ago – Iwoye that are under his(Adetona) jurisdiction.
    The Awujale made the remarks in Lagos during the launch of an Endowment Fund for a Chair at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago – Iwoye, in reply to an earlier ranking of the Yoruba obas by Alake which placed him at the tail end on the hierarchy.
    But yesterday, Amosun, Oba Adetona and Oba Gbadebo met privately for about 75 minutes at the Oke – Mosan Governor’s Office, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
    The details of what transpired during the closed door meeting were kept away from reporters when they emerged from it about 3:45pm.
    Even when prodded several times by reporters to throw light on what happened, all of them responded in general terms.
    Governor Amosun said the monarchs were in his office to deliberate on how to keep Ogun state more peaceful and vaguely blamed the press for the negative reportage of the matter.

  • Alake, Awujale’s feud not in Yoruba’s interest – lawmaker

    Alake, Awujale’s feud not in Yoruba’s interest – lawmaker

    The lawmaker representing Epe Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Segun Olulade has expressed displeasure over the current supremacy feud between the Alake of Egba-Land, Oba Israel Adedotun Gbadebo and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

    Olulade said the show of class among the first class and highly placed Obas in Yorubaland is uncalled for at a moment when the nation is battling with more serious national issues ranging from poor state of economy to security issue and Mr. President’s relentless fight against corruption and indiscipline in the country.

    Olulade said there are better roles for royal class to play at this trying moment than to engage in fruitless royal battle that is of no immediate or remote benefit to the Yorubaland, our people and the nation.

    “The royal thrones are our sacred authorities in Yorubaland which we hold in high esteem; taking them to the public place for disgrace and insults are disgraceful to the entire Yorubaland and uncalled for,” Olulade said.

    He, however, appealed to the two royal fathers to sheath their swords and engage in royal responsibilities that brings honour, dignity and development to their people and the Yoruba race.

    He also applauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Enitan for playing unifying role among the Obas in Yorubaland and providing empowerment for the people to support government’s efforts at achieving sound economic growth and development.

    “I have the highest number of royal fathers in my constituency in Lagos State or possibly in the entire country, but there is peace because the Obas are very conscious of the current situation of our country and the need to help promote peace and harmony in the land.

    “The Yoruba race earns its global respects from the refined class of its royal authorities and it will be so unfortunate to see same dragged in the mud for mere supremacy fight. Every royal father should administer its constituency with best practices in leadership rather than cross-carpet fight over who is higher than the other.

    “The royal authorities all have histories that make each unique; therefore, the best way to show supremacy is in deploying exemplary leadership and not in media war and unhealthy fight amongst the royal father,” he added.

  • Awujale to Ooni: Beware of politicians, sycophants

    The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on Friday advised the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to be wary of politicians, sycophants and cheerleaders because they will lead him astray.

    Oba Adetona noted that the Ooni’s resolve to work for the unity and progress of yorubaland is a worthy cause, but counseled him to be cautious in dealings with the nation’s politicians and their tendencies for division.

    The Awujale gave the advice at his Ijebu – Ode Palace, when Oba Ogunwusi paid him a historical and maiden visit in a company of dozens of Ife traditional rulers, chiefs, palace aides and drummers.

    The Ooni arrived the Awujale’s palace at 1:16pm in continuation of his self – assigned agenda to foster greater unity, harmony and development of Yorubaland.

    He also visited the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi  Adeyemi, few weeks ago.

    At the palace with Oba Adetona to welcome the Ooni are – Oloori Omoba, Otunba Subomi Balogun, the Ebumawe of Ago – Iwoye, Oba Abdul – Rasaq Adenugba, the Ajalorun of Ijebu – Ife, Oba Afolorunsho Oguntayo, the Gbegande of Ososa, Oba Toye Alatishe, the Olorogun of Ijebuland, Chief Sunny Kuku and the Alaporu of Ilaporu, Oba Jimoh Quadri.

    Others are – the Limeri of Awa – Ijebu, Oba Amos Awobajo, Chief Duro Onabule, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Moyegeso of Itele – Ijebu, Oba Adesanya Kasali and Senator Lekan Mustapha.

     

  • Between Otunba Subomi Balogun and Oba Sikiru Adetona

    Between Otunba Subomi Balogun and Oba Sikiru Adetona

    A friend, according to William Shakespeare, is one who understands where you have been, accepts what you have become and still gently allows you to grow. Shakespeare’s assertion seems a perfect representation of the blooming relationship between the Chairman of First City Monument Bank, Otunba Subomi Balogun and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

    Those who should know told Celeb Watch that their friendship has lasted more than two decades and seems only to be growing stronger as they both advance in years. Those who sighted them at the just concluded Ojude Oba festival attested to the fact that despite their old age, the duo exhibited genuine love‎.

    While Globacom was the major sponsor of the event, Balogun’s FCMB was also said to have heavily supported the festival, which was attended by prominent Nigerians.

  • Ijebu monarchs pray for Abiodun

    Ijebu monarchs pray for Abiodun

    Traditional rulers in Ijebuland yesterday converged on the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to pray for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate in Ogun East, Dapo Abiodun.

    The traditional rulers, who arrived at 7:30am, said the creation of Ijebu state topped the priorities of the people.

    They urged the APC candidate to treat the issue as a critical mission when he gets to the Senate.

    The monarchs prayed for Abiodun’s success in the February 14 election.

    Abiodun said the state ought to have been listed as an oil-producing state, noting that there were oil and gas deposits at Olokola in Ogun Waterside Local Government.

    He, however, promised to serve the people with all his might and influence.

    The Awujale hugged and blessed the candidate, upholding him as a promise-keeper.

    Abiodun’s visit coincided with the New Year prayer session of the traditional council.

    The APC candidate was accompanied by the Commissioner for Education, Segun Odubela and the APC chairman in the district, Mr Elias.