The Ooni of Ife, who doubles as Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has reacted to the news of the death of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
In a statement signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Ooni Ogunwusi, Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), commiserates with the late Awujale’s family, subjects fellow traditional rulers from Ogun state, Yourubaland, and Nigeria in general. He describes the life journey and achievement of the late Ijebu paramount ruler as a major praye point for all the reigning monarchs all over the country saying late Awujale not only succeeded in mounting the throne of forebears 64 years ago, but also resigned for 64 years on the throne making him one of the longest reigning Nigerian monarchs who also lived for 91 years on earth.
“Late Awujale was a recipient of God’s race grace of mercy and favour which I always pray for and which all the monarchs in Nigeria should turn to their prayer point”
“At a very young age, he had wanted to become Awujale, God did it for him, he had wished to live long, God did it for him by making him to die at the ripe age of 91, it was also his wish to enjoy long reign which God also gracious granted him and reigned for 64 years on the throne. He truly enjoyed God’s grace uncommonly”. Ooni said.
“In the sacred tradition of Yoruba kingship, Kabiyesi is not mourned; his legacy is rather celebrated. The departure of a revered monarch like Oba Sikiru Adetona, who sat gloriously on the throne of his forebears for over six decades, is the glorious return of an elephant to the ancestral plains; a homecoming to the sacred gathering of eternal kings.
“Oba Sikiru Adetona was a titan in the palace, a lion on the path of justice, and a towering symbol of courage and clarity in the service of truth, tradition, and integrity. His voice echoed far beyond the confines of Ijebuland, shaping national discourse, defending the dignity of the Yoruba race, and championing the sacred values of our cultural heritage. He was a king among kings, unyielding in principle, unmatched in wisdom, and unforgettable in presence; he was indeed ruthlessly blunt in saying it as it is.”
The Ooni of Ife describes the late monarch as “a living oracle of royal distinction, whose passage is a chapter closed in golden ink.” For 64 historic years, Oba Adetona wore the crown not merely as an ornament of royalty but as a badge of responsibility, standing as a fearless patriarch of modern Yoruba identity.
On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and the entire Yoruba traditional institution, the Ooni commiserates with the Awujale Royal Family, the good people of Ijebuland, home and in diaspora, Ogun State Council of Obas, Ogun State Government, and Nigerian Nation at large.
May the immortal spirit of Kabiyesi be received with thunderous royal chants in the ancestral abode, where only kings of divine calling dwell.
Indeed, Ajanaku sun bi oke !!!
The elephant has gone to rest like a mountain, but his footprints shall remain indelible on the sands of time.
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