President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, July 20, to attend the eighth-day Fidau prayer ceremony for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.
The ceremony, set to take place at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, will see President Tinubu join Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other dignitaries in honoring the revered monarch, who reigned for over 65 years.
Oba Adetona, crowned in 1960 at the age of 26, was one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
His death, which occurred hours after the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a close friend, has been described by President Tinubu as a “double pain” for the nation.
The late Awujale was laid to rest on July 14 at his private residence in Ogbagba Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, in a ceremony attended by prominent figures, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
In a statement issued on Friday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep sorrow over Oba Adetona’s passing, describing him as a “towering natural ruler” who served with dignity, wisdom, and an unwavering sense of duty.
Tinubu highlighted the monarch’s contributions to education, particularly through the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University, which has been upgraded to a campus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
Governor Abiodun, in his tribute, praised Oba Adetona’s 65-year reign for bringing significant progress to Ijebuland, noting his role in promoting unity, cultural pride, and economic growth, exemplified by the globally recognized Ojude Oba festival.
The governor also acknowledged the late monarch’s support for legislation granting traditional rulers the freedom to be buried according to their wishes, a bill Abiodun signed into law at the Awujale’s palace.
The Fidau prayer is expected to draw traditional rulers, political leaders, and residents from across Nigeria to celebrate Oba Adetona’s legacy of integrity, philanthropy, and leadership.
The Ogun State Government has urged residents to pray for the royal family during this period of mourning.
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