President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the demise of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most revered and impactful traditional rulers. Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, after an extraordinary 65 years on the throne.

In a statement personally signed by the President on Sunday night, President Tinubu conveyed his deepest condolences, noting that the news of the monarch’s transition came with “double pain” as it coincided with the passing of his immediate predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“One of Nigeria’s most outstanding, foremost, and revered traditional rulers, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has joined his ancestors after over 65 remarkable years on the throne,” President Tinubu stated. He emphasized that Oba Adetona’s demise has left “an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.”

President Tinubu lauded the late Awujale as a “towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.” He highlighted the tremendous progress and development witnessed in Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebuland during Oba Adetona’s reign, which began when he ascended the throne at the young age of 26 in 1960.

“In his over six decades on the throne, Oba Adetona used his role as a foremost ruler to advance the cause of progress and national unity. In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason,” the President added, acknowledging the monarch’s consistent advocacy for justice and peace.

President Tinubu also reflected on his personal relationship with the departed Kabiyesi, describing him as “an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile.” He stated that he found the monarch’s “company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering,” underscoring the deep respect he held for Oba Adetona.

Furthermore, President Tinubu praised Oba Adetona’s enduring legacy in education and philanthropy, citing the establishment of the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, as a lasting monument to his vision.

As the nation grapples with the simultaneous loss of two prominent figures, President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Oba Adetona’s family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government and people of Ogun State, and all sons and daughters of Ijebuland. He prayed for the monarch’s soul to find eternal rest and for his profound legacy of outstanding service to continue inspiring generations.