Awujale: An exemplary Monarch – Fasoranti, Afenifere Leader

The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, CFR, has described the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, GCON, as an exemplary monarch who made a lot of positive impacts during his 62 years’ reign.

The nonagerian stated this in his tribute to the highly revered monarch who joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13th at the age of 91.

Fasoranti disclosed that right from the time Oba Adetona started his public service in the defunct Western Region, his conduct on his return from the United Kingdom where he studied Accountancy and all through his years on the throne, the late Awujale led a life that is worthy of emulation in terms of integrity, focus and dedication to serving the people.

The then Prince Sikiru Adetona was crowned as Awujale on April 5, 1960. He became a Member of the Western Region House of Chiefs immediately thereafter.

Records have it that he conducted himself well just as he did when he headed various bodies including the Traditional Rulers Council in Ogun State.

National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, further quoted The Leader as saying that the late monarch was one of the Obas in Yorubaland who exalt the position of royalty.

The Afenifere Leader recalled the patriotic role played by the monarch particularly on the imbroglio brought about by the annulment of June 12, 1993 election.

“His reign was characterized by wisdom, dexterity, enlightened and admirable leadership style, commitment to Yoruba cause and the national interests”.

Also commending the late Oba’s dedication to our culture and tradition, the statement recalled that his reign brought Ojude-oba celebration not only to limelight “but made it a cynosure of everyone including the international community”.

The Afenifere Leader commiserated with the people of Ijebuland, Ogun State government, Yorubaland and the royalty in Nigeria of which Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a distinguished member and prayed for his soul to rest in perfect peace.