By Maryjane Austine
President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria’s history would have remained incomplete had he not emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, during the 8th Day Fidau prayer held in honour of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the President paid heartfelt tributes to the traditional ruler, recalling his influence and prayers during the political journey that led to his election as president.
“Our history would not have been completed, carefully and richly, if I failed the last election,” Tinubu said. The President, visibly moved, recounted a personal moment with the late monarch before the election.
“I was successful because of your support and the blessing of late Awujale. I came to him, he blessed me. He said ‘you will win that election and you will win one more time. Go ahead.’ Today, he is no more. He is gone.”
Governor Abiodun, in his address, urged the people of Ijebuland to remain united and continue to uphold the values of peace, harmony, and integrity that the late Awujale stood for. He called on residents to honour the monarch’s memory by living responsibly and promoting selfless leadership.
Describing Oba Adetona as a pillar of wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment to democratic values, Tinubu acknowledged the monarch’s key role in supporting the June 12 movement and promoting good governance.
He also extended his appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, whom he fondly referred to as the “Okanlomo Eleyi of Ogun State,” for his leadership and efforts during and after the monarch’s burial.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7wybjMQTHc
Delivering a brief sermon, the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Professor Kamaldeen Bello, reminded the gathering of the certainty of death, stressing that it should inspire righteous living. “We will all taste death, so live as though today is your last,” he said.
Read More: Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Dies at 91
The event drew a large number of dignitaries, including governors from Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti States, as well as deputy governors from Oyo and Lagos States, ministers, and other top government officials.
