The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,who joined his ancestors on Sunday was yesterday honoured by dignitaries at his Ijebu Ode, Ogun State home. He was 91.
The honour was in line with his Islamic faith.
The events took place at his Ogbagba Court, Igbeba around 6pm with prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheik Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo.
Traditionalists who came to the venue to perform rites were turned back by security men.
Eminent Nigerians who converged on the residence included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who joined Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The Federal Government was represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani and his Marine and Blue Economy counterpart, Gboyega Oyetola.
Others included former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji-Isola; former Deputy Governor, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
However, in an interview with reporters, Senator Daniel said the Ijebu people would miss the fatherly support of Oba Adetona, whom they all regarded as the great grandfather.
“Without any doubt, the situation in Ijebu land cannot be the same again because the people had been used to paternal support of the great grandfather, who had navigated the land successfully and the people of this community have no choice than to come together to continue from where Kabiyesi left off.
“It is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, you have a forthright personality, who can speak truth to all at a time, who can be described as fearless, who abhors people telling lies and who is very straight forward to a fault.
“Kabiyesi is not used to anybody who is diplomatic. He says it as it is. At the end of the day, in the course of that, he garnered his own detractors.
“People have said that he successfully won all the battles. He was strong from the beginning to the end.
“He was indeed a forthright personality”.
