Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has congratulated the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona Ogbagba II on the occasion of his 90th birthday anniversary.
HRM. Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Ogbagba II), born 10 May 1934, is the Awujale of the Ijebu Kingdom, a traditional state in Nigeria. He was installed as the king in 1960, making him one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria. His father was Prince Rufai Adetona and mother, Alhaja Ajibabi Adetona (née Onashile). As king, he represents the Anikilaya ruling family.
In a statement, Kalu, who emphasized the noble contributions of the monarch to nation building in various capacities, extolled the outstanding and selfless leadership qualities of the paramount ruler.
While applauding the Awujale for sustaining his humanitarian gestures in advancing the cause of the people, Kalu noted that the monarch is a rallying point for his contemporaries and the younger generation.
The senator called on leaders across the country to emulate the remarkable legacy of the monarch, and felicitated with the government and people of Ogun state on the joyous occasion of the Awujale’s 90th birthday anniversary.
“I felicitate with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona Ogbagba II on the occasion of his 90th birthday anniversary. The paramount ruler has consistently made invaluable contributions to the growth and development of his domain, Ijebuland, Ogun state and Nigeria in general.
“The Kabiyesi is a rare gem, selfless statesman and philanthropist per excellence. The worthy virtues of Oba Adetona should be emulated by leaders across the country”, Kalu Said and prayed for longer life for the monarch in the service of humanity.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who had earlier been nominated along with five others by the ODIS was unanimously selected by the kingmakers in conformity with Section 11 of the Chiefs Law of 1957 applicable in Western Region. The then Governor signed the Instrument of Office approving Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona as Awujale of Ijebuland. The formal coronation took place on Saturday, April 2, 1960.
By a letter dated January 4, 1960, referenced CB. 4 1/333, the Permanent Secretary in the then Western Region Ministry of Local Government conveyed to the Local Government Adviser in Ijebu Ode approval of the Western Region Governor in Council, the appointment of Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona as king, and his confirmation as the new Awujale of Ijebuland with effect from that date (January 4, 1960).
On January 18, 1960, the Head of the Ijebu Ode Regency Council, the Ogbeni-Oja, Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola formally presented the new traditional ruler to the whole world. This presentation, which was a novelty, signaled the commencement of the installation ceremonies of the king-elect. It was indeed, a new dawn in the annals of Ijebu people. The king-elect thereafter proceeded to undergo the traditional seclusion at the Odo for three months.
Pix: S.K. Adetona being prepared for the Awujale throne
On Tuesday, April 5, 1960 newly crowned Oba Adetona, took his seat as a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs, after a formal introduction. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a charismatic Prince, and some Obas and Chiefs nominated him for the presidency of the House of Chiefs. Albeit, an older and traditionally more senior Oba, late Sir Adesoji Aderemi, Ooni of Ife was subsequently elected the President.
The thought here was that early as a monarch, the twenty-six-year-old Awujale was a fit and proper king for the exalted position. No doubt, this consideration was an admission of the uniqueness of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
