The remains of Awujale of Ijebuland and paramount ruler of the Ijebu people, Oba Sikiru Adetona, were buried at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Monday.
Oba Adetona, Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch, died at the age of 91 on Sunday.
He was installed as king on April 2, 1960.
The burial ceremony was attended by a federal government delegation led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
Also in attendance were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi; business magnate Aliko Dangote; and many others.
The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo, led the Janazah prayers for the late monarch.
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the late king as a monarch like no other, who restructured the traditional institution.
Abiodun noted that the late Awujale was a father and a legend whose legacy extends beyond Ogun State.
He stressed that, while it was too early to discuss succession, the established procedures would be followed diligently to prevent any conflict.
“A vacuum has been created, and a big one for that matter. This man ruled for 65 years; in Ijebuland we don’t even know what it is to crown succession anymore, but we are very organised people and there’s a template in place, and I can assure you that the succession, although too early to discuss, will be rancour-free.
“All I can tell our Ijebu sons and daughters is to continue in the respect for Kabiyesi, to conduct themselves in a way that will make Kabiyesi proud,” Abiodun said.
Former Governor Olusegun Osoba described the late Awujale as a monarch with a sharp mind, who maintained his reputation until the very end.
“Baba lived a fulfilled life. He’s respected and loved. His reputation, not only in Ijebu but in Ogun State, remains intact to the end.
“He has a sharp faculty and brain because he spoke with the governor a few hours before he died. Today is a day of celebration for a great monarch,” he said.
Also speaking, Aliko Dangote said Awujale was an influential personality in his lifetime and that he had come to pay his last respects because of his personal relationship with him.
