A former PDP National Deputy Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has described the passing of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a huge loss.
George, a former Military Governor of old Ondo State in a statement on Monday in Lagos, said that the legacies of the late Oba would remain for many generations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adetona died on Sunday at the age of 91.
George, said: “I was in Form 1 at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode in 1960 when the 26-year-old Prince returned to Nigeria to be crowned as the Awujale of Ijebuland.
“With my classmates, we lined up along the road leading to Itoro Hall where the coronation took place.
“From that day in 1960 to July 13, 2025 when he joined his ancestors, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, displayed humility, flamboyance, panache, royalty and dignity.
“He displayed class, honour, colour, energetic style and boldness in his interaction with his subjects, governments and people in the Diaspora.
“I know his legacies will continue to remain indelible. His death is a huge loss,” he said.
The PDP leader said that till his last breath, Oba Adetona was a father figure to him.
According to him, the late traditional ruler was also a formidable leader and traditional ruler, who protected the name of the Ijebus, home and abroad, and projected their image.
“The annual Ojude-Oba event became a reference point for others, thanks to the creativity, dynamism and connections of Oba Adetona.
“We really have to thank God that Oba Adetona reigned for six and a half decades,” George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, added.
The PDP chieftain prayed God to grant the late traditional ruler eternal repose and comfort his family and Ijebu people worldwide. (NAN)
