President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, gave him his blessings ahead of the 2023 presidential election and predicted that he would secure a second term in office.
Gatekeepers News reports that during the eight-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the late monarch at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Tinubu paid tribute to Adetona, who died last Sunday at the age of 91.
He said, “I thank God almighty that I stand before you as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“Our history would not have been completed carefully and richly if I had failed in the last election. I was successful because of your support and the blessing of the late Awujale.
“I came to him, he blessed me, and he said, ‘O o tun wole ekan si ‘(you will win a second term). Go ahead.”
“ Today he’s no more. He’s gone.”
Tinubu also commended Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for taking care of the monarch during his lifetime and described the Awujale as a symbol of integrity, tradition, and leadership.
Recalling pivotal moments in Nigeria’s political history, Tinubu noted the monarch’s consistent support during the pro-democracy struggle following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
He said, “He was always there at that time of need for all of us. I could recount the June 12 episode, our protest then, our episode in his palace, our resistance, and our determination to reverse the annulment of June 12.”
“Baba was steadfast, was resolute, and was very encouraging.”
The President also expressed gratitude that he was able to honour the late monarch in his lifetime by conferring on him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in 2023, in celebration of his 90th birthday.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to uphold the values of dignity, conscience, and cultural pride that the late monarch exemplified.
