President Bola Tinubu’s recent arrival at Gateway International Airport in Ogun State marked a pivotal moment as he journeys to honor the memory of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at the eighth-day prayer ceremony. Governor Dapo Abiodun, alongside Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and fellow South-West leaders, formed the frontline reception committee, symbolizing both political and cultural solidarity.
Confirmed by the President’s social media aide, the visit included the presence of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, emphasizing the personal respect accorded to the monarch whose reign spanned more than six decades. The event will unfold at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, an emblematic site in Ijebu-Ode, where security forces have heightened vigilance in light of the monumental significance of the gathering.
Oba Adetona’s death on July 13 closed a distinguished chapter in Nigerian traditional rulership. His prompt burial followed Islamic rites, reflecting the intersection of faith and culture that defines Ijebuland. The ceremony today is not just an act of remembrance but an affirmation of the enduring role traditional rulers play in contemporary Nigerian society.
This occasion serves as a reminder of the intricate bond between the nation’s political elite and its cultural custodians, reaffirming the importance of respect and continuity.