President Tinubu Attends Fidau Prayers for Awujale of Ijebuland, Pays Tribute to a Monarch Who Shaped Yoruba History
By HeadlineNews.News Political Desk | July 20, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday joined dignitaries, royal families, political leaders, and citizens at the Fidau prayers held in Ijebu-Ode for the late Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, who passed on recently at the age of 90 after a storied reign spanning over six decades.
The event marked not only a solemn moment of prayer but also a celebration of a monarch whose legacy shaped modern Yoruba history and influenced the political trajectory of Nigeria.
A Monarch of Uncommon Legacy
Oba Sikiru Adetona ascended the throne in April 1960, just months before Nigeria’s independence, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Nigerian history. His reign of over 64 years witnessed dramatic transitions—from colonial rule to independence, through military regimes, democratic rebirths, and economic transformation.
Revered for his intellect, courage, and unwavering defense of traditional institutions, the Awujale was an outspoken royal who often challenged successive governments when he believed national or regional interests were at stake.
Tinubu and the Awujale: A Bond Beyond Protocol
President Tinubu’s presence at the Fidau prayer was not a mere formality—it was personal.
Over the years, Tinubu and the Awujale shared a close bond grounded in mutual respect, Yoruba cultural preservation, and nation-building ideals. The Awujale was one of Tinubu’s strongest royal allies during his tenure as Lagos State Governor and throughout the evolution of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his remarks at the Fidau, Tinubu described the late monarch as:
> “A royal father of vision, dignity, and fearless integrity. The Awujale spoke truth to power and stood firmly for what was right—not just for Ijebuland, but for the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.”
He continued:
“As we pray for his soul, we must also reflect on the kind of Nigeria he dreamed of: united, principled, and rooted in justice.”
National and Cultural Significance
The Fidau prayers drew attendance from royal families across Yorubaland, political heavyweights, traditional leaders, and Islamic scholars. Dignitaries included former presidents, governors, and ministers. It was a unifying event that bridged Nigeria’s religious, regional, and political divides.
The prayers were led by prominent Islamic clerics, in accordance with Muslim tradition, offering blessings for the monarch’s soul and reflections on leadership, legacy, and service.
Analysts noted that the Awujale’s passing marks the end of an era, and Tinubu’s presence underscored the presidency’s recognition of traditional authority as a key pillar in national cohesion and cultural preservation.
A Torch Passed, A Legacy to Uphold
Oba Adetona’s tenure as Awujale wasn’t without controversy—but it was always marked by principle. He was one of the few traditional rulers to publish an autobiography—“Awujale: The Autobiography of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona”—where he candidly chronicled political events, offering rare insights into Nigeria’s power structure.
His willingness to speak truth—even when it meant challenging heads of state—earned him admiration across political divides. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka once referred to him as:
“One of the few monarchs who understood the weight of his throne and chose to carry it with wisdom and defiance when needed.”
Conclusion: A President Among His People
President Tinubu’s attendance was not just in honor of a monarch, but also a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ijebuland and the larger Yoruba race. As Nigeria continues to wrestle with questions of leadership, legacy, and national unity, the moment served as a reminder that traditional institutions remain vital to the country’s moral and cultural compass.
The Awujale’s death is a monumental loss—but his ideals live on. President Tinubu’s presence was both tribute and testimony to a life that impacted generations, and to a friendship rooted in mutual purpose.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots.
Headlinenews.news Special Publication.
