Tinubu Set to Honour Late Awujale with Presence at Grand Prayer Ceremony

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to depart Abuja on Sunday for Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where he will attend the eighth-day prayer for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, a highly respected traditional ruler who passed away on July 13 at the age of 91.

According to iReporter Online, the monarch was buried privately the following day in line with Islamic rites. His 65-year reign made him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving kings and a towering voice for national development and social reform across Ijebuland.

The commemorative prayer, which will take place at Dipo Dina International Stadium, is expected to attract traditional leaders, political dignitaries, business executives, and clerics from across Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Dapo Abiodun and several prominent figures will join President Tinubu at the event. This marks yet another in a series of condolence visits by the President, who recently mourned both former President Muhammadu Buhari and elder statesman Alhaji Aminu Dantata.

Notably, during the late monarch’s 90th birthday and 64th coronation celebration, Tinubu awarded Oba Adetona Nigeria’s second-highest national honour in recognition of his impactful contributions to governance, education, and justice. Tinubu had also begun his presidential consultations with the Awujale and later returned to express gratitude after securing victory.

Security has been intensified across Ijebu-Ode in anticipation of the event. According to iReporter Online, security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Army, NSCDC, and Amotekun Corps are now stationed around strategic locations including the Awujale’s Palace, his private Igbeba residence, and the stadium.

Markets such as Ita-Ale, Ita-Osu, and Oke-Aje will shut down on Sunday to allow residents and traders to pay their last respects. Many describe the late Oba as a visionary leader who modernised the Ijebu Kingdom and elevated its social and economic status.

According to iReporter Online, Oba Adetona’s influence spanned cultural, educational, and economic sectors—solidifying his reputation as a royal statesman revered across Nigeria’s political divide.

Locals, including cab driver Yusuf Balogun and petty trader Damilola Ogunsanwo, hailed Tinubu’s personal attendance as a powerful tribute to the late monarch. While Balogun praised Oba Adetona for bringing “dignity and development” to Ijebuland, Ogunsanwo noted that the influx of visitors has boosted local commerce.

Hospitality providers also reported full occupancy as mourners and dignitaries continue to arrive ahead of the solemn gathering.

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona is remembered as a bold reformer and principled monarch whose legacy of leadership, courage, and modernisation leaves an enduring mark on Ijebuland and Nigeria at large.