The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, after an extraordinary 65-year reign.
In a condolence message issued on Monday in Abeokuta, Speaker Elemide described the monarch’s death as a monumental loss, not only to Ogun State but to the entire nation. He hailed Oba Adetona as a symbol of integrity, wisdom, and courage, whose reign brought significant development to Ijebuland and uplifted traditional leadership in Nigeria.
The late Awujale was one of the most disciplined and highly revered traditional rulers in the country.
He added that Oba Adetona had made great impact in transforming traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
“Oba Adetọna was a great King who made remarkable impact during his reign. He upheld culture and tradition while the annual Ojude Oba initiated during his reign was regarded as the best festival in the world.
“My thoughts are with the entire people of Ijebuland over this great loss, which to me is very saddening, as I remember my relationship with the Awujale who was a father a mentor and my pillar of support,” the Speaker said.
He commiserated with the Ogbagba family and Ijebu people, while extending condolences to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun.
Elemide said that the vacuum created by the Awujale’s transition would be difficult to fill.
