President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the royal blessings of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona alongside the support of the people, made it possible to win the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu stated this while paying glowing tribute to the late Awujale whose 8th-Day Fidau Prayer held on Sunday at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu extolled the virtues of the late Oba Adetona, describing him as a leader of “conscience and dignity”.
Recalling his visitation to the Oba Adetona’s palace in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu disclosed that the late monarch not only blessed him, but also assured him of victory at the poll.
The president further recalled with passion, the fatherly words of encouragement and support, which himself and other agitators for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by late Moshood Abiola received from the late Awujale, which he said eventually culminated in the over 24 years of an unbroken democratic governance being enjoyed in the country till date.
“Today marks a very great day in the history of our nation and particularly, the history of our race, the Yoruba race. You can find any further definition of our culture. If you go further from Awujale, you will learn a lot.
“For me standing before you today, I thank God Almighty that I stand before you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our history would not have been completed carefully and richly if I failed in the last election. I was successful because of his support and the blessings.
“I went to him, he blessed me and said, ‘You are winning that election and you will win second term. Go ahead.’ Today he is no more. He is gone. God has blessed us. If you listened to the richness of his wisdom, I’m extremely proud of him.”
President Tinubu recalled that the late monarch stood steadfastly with the agitators during the protest to reverse the June 12 mandate.
“He was there in times of need for all of us. I could recount the June 12 episode: our protests and its balance and for real, our resistance. Our determination to reverse the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election. Baba was steadfast, he was resolute and very encouraging,” he recalled.
The president further described the late Oba Adetona as “Very honest, very bold and very truthful, he would not deceive you. He is gone”.
Tinubu called on all Nigerians, particularly politicians, as well as sons and daughters of Ijebuland to be “more united, bonded by the spirit that he left behind; cherish his legacies and appreciate him in death”.
Earlier in his address, Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun called on all sons, daughters and residents of Ijebu Ode and the entire Ijebuland to join hands towards building on the legacies and foundations laid by the late Awujale.
Abiodun counselled the people must not allow discord to undermine the late Awujale’s legacies, declaring that “the eyes of the nation is upon us”.
“Awujale sustained the harmony and dignity he so earnestly preserved. Kabiyesi was not just a ruler, he was a mentor, a visionary, a moral compass who stood as a touring symbol of dignity to stability.
“As we bid farewell to this exceptional monarch, let his memories continue to inspire us”.
