Double Pain In My Heart! – President Tinubu On Transition Of Awujale Adetona

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, describing the revered monarch as a towering figure whose passing leaves a significant void in Nigeria’s traditional institution.

In a personal statement issued on Saturday night, President Tinubu revealed that the news of Oba Adetona’s transition came with “double pain in my heart” as it coincided with the death 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, has joined his ancestors after over 65 remarkable years on the throne,” the president said, adding that his passing marks the end of an era of visionary and principled traditional leadership.

Oba Adetona ascended the throne at just 26 years of age and ruled for over six decades. President Tinubu praised him as a monarch who served his people with dignity, class, and a deep sense of duty, contributing significantly to the progress of Ijebu-Ode, Ijebuland, and Nigeria at large.

“In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason,” Tinubu said. “Oba Adetona provided uncompromising leadership and remained a unifying force across the country.”

The president also reflected on his personal relationship with the late monarch, describing him as a confidante and a reliable source of wisdom. “I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering,” he noted.

President Tinubu highlighted Oba Adetona’s contributions to education and research, especially through the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, as lasting legacies that will continue to speak for him.

While extending condolences to the royal family, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the people of Ogun State, President Tinubu prayed for eternal rest for the departed monarch and strength for all those mourning his loss.

“May we be comforted by his legacy of outstanding service,” he concluded.