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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has described the passing of two influential figures—his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II—as “an enormous loss” suffered within hours of each other.
In a post on his verified X handle @OfficalABAT on Sunday, at the eighth-day Fidau prayers in Ijebu-Ode to honour the late monarch, Tinubu reflected on a day marked by deep personal loss.
“Last Sunday, within hours, I lost two men I held in the highest esteem: my dear predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, and Kabiyesi, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who joined his ancestors after over 65 remarkable years on the throne,” the president said.
Tinubu paid warm tribute to Oba Adetona, praising his decades-long reign and the profound impact of his leadership:
“Kabiyesi was more than a royal father to me. He was a confidante, a guide, and a man of truth whose wisdom never failed to steady those who sought it,” Tinubu stated.
“In over six decades on the throne, he ruled with rare dignity, candour, and courage, always putting the people first with an unmistakable sense of duty.”
Describing the late Awujale’s legacy, Tinubu said his passing “has left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general” and that “his voice, leadership, and generosity will echo far beyond Ijebuland.”
A Nation in Mourning
The President acknowledged the pain shared by many who revered the late monarch and asked for comfort in this time of mourning:
“May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort all who mourn him,” Tinubu prayed.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs, having sat on the throne for more than 65 years. His contributions to traditional leadership are recognized both within and outside Ijebuland.
