President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, gave him his blessing for a second term and assured him of victory in the 2027 presidential election.
The revered monarch died last Sunday at the age of 91, just hours after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, his close friend and contemporary.
At the eight-day Fidau prayer held in his honour at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode, President Tinubu shared heartfelt memories of the late king, describing him as a symbol of courage, integrity, and cultural pride.
“I thank God almighty that I stand before you as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu said to a cheering crowd.
“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.’”
The President paused for a moment and added, “Today he’s no more. He’s gone.”
Tinubu praised Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for taking good care of the monarch and commended the Awujale for always standing on the side of truth, even during difficult times.
“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,” Tinubu recalled. “Baba was steadfast, was resolute, and was very encouraging.”
In 2023, the President had honoured Oba Adetona with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the second-highest national honour, in celebration of his 90th birthday.
Looking back, Tinubu said he was glad he celebrated the monarch while he was still alive. He urged Nigerians to emulate the late king’s values of dignity, justice, and service to the people.
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