- Safiu Kehinde
Ijebu-Ode was on Monday flooded with political dignitaries and notable Nigerians spearheaded by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nigerian businessman, Aliko Dangote, and former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, as the remains of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was laid to rest in Ogun State.
NPO Reported the demise of the popular Yoruba monarch who died on Sunday at the age of 91.
The renown monarch was laid to rest today in accordance with Islamic rite.
While the burial rite was simply performed, it was however witnessed by business and political big wigs who stormed the town for the event.
As captured in post shared on X by Sanwo-Olu’s aide, Jubril Gawat, the Lagos State Governor and Osinbajo arrived together at the event with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, serving as the host.
Sanwo-Olu who was also accompanied by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, had earlier paid tribute to the late monarch.
Following the burial, governor in a post on his X handle again expressed his condolences to the royal family and people of Ijebuland as he described the passing of Oba Sikiru as a great loss.
“His presence anchored the community for generations, and his legacy will continue to guide it. Although Oba Adetona’s passing is a great loss, the values he championed live on.
“My sincere condolences go to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the royal family, and the people of Ijebuland and Ogun State.” Sanwo-Olu wrote.
Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote group, was also spotted amongst the dignitaries who attended the burial of the renown Yoruba monarch.
Oba Adetona passed away barely six hours after the death of his best friend and former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.
While Buhari’s demise had attracted torrent of tributes nationwide and from world leaders, the passing of the Awujale also gained traction as tribute flows over the demise of the monarch.
Born on 10 May 1934, into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijẹbuland in his father’s house in Imupa, Ijebu Ode, the late Oba Adetona ascended the throne on 2nd of April 1960, which made him one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria.
On the 5th of April 1960, the late monarch took his seat as a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs, after a formal introduction.
Oba Adetọna was described as a charismatic Prince which earned him nomination by some Ọbas and Chiefs for the presidency of the House of Chiefs.
However, an older and traditionally more senior monarch, the late Sir Adesọji Aderẹmi, Ọni of Ifẹ was subsequently elected the President.