The 90th birthday celebration in honor of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, were graced by notable figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, among other distinguished guests, on Friday.
The Awujale received the second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, from President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Shettima, during the ceremony held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, in Ogun State, in recognition of his enormous and priceless contributions to the development of the country.
“Today marks the auspicious occasion of the 90th birthday celebration of our esteemed Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland,” the governor of Ogun State wrote in a post featuring pictures from the event on X.com.
“We commemorate his extraordinary 64-year reign as the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria, expressing gratitude for his enduring leadership.”
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Abiodun revealed that a book honoring his literary contributions was also presented at the event, along with the inauguration of the Oba Sikiru Adetona Institute of Governance.
He further lauded the monarch’s dedication to good governance and education with initiatives like the “Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance and the Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Eradication, which serve as beacons of hope and progress.”
He added, “Kabiyesi exemplifies excellence within the traditional institution, earning admiration for his steadfast commitment to the welfare of the Ijebu people. His reign symbolises unity and progress, fostering religious harmony and philanthropy within the community.”
Abiodun also conveyed his appreciation for the Oba’s assistance during his political career.
He wrote, “As a testament to our enduring bond, we have initiated transformative projects such as the reconstruction of the Ijebu Ode-Epe road and the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Science and Technology.
“Oba Sikiru Adetona’s legacy transcends boundaries, embodying the essence of servant leadership and dedication to the betterment of society.”
