The 90th birthday celebration of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was, on Friday, attended by dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, among others.
Reports that during the event held at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, in Ogun State, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Shettima, conferred the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of Order of Niger on the Awujale for his immeasurable and invaluable contributions to national development.
Sharing pictures from the event in a post on X.com, the Ogun State governor wrote, “Today marks the auspicious occasion of the 90th birthday celebration of our esteemed Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland.
“We commemorate his extraordinary 64-year reign as the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria, expressing gratitude for his enduring leadership”.
Abiodun also disclosed that the Oba Sikiru Adetona Institute of Governance was inaugurated at the event, and a book honouring his literary contributions was also presented.
He further lauded the monarch’s dedication to good governance and education with initiatives like the “Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance and the Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Eradication, which serve as beacons of hope and progress”.
He added, “Kabiyesi exemplifies excellence within the traditional institution, earning admiration for his steadfast commitment to the welfare of the Ijebu people. His reign symbolises unity and progress, fostering religious harmony and philanthropy within the community”.
Abiodun also expressed his gratitude for the Oba’s support through his political journey.
He wrote, “As a testament to our enduring bond, we have initiated transformative projects such as the reconstruction of the Ijebu Ode-Epe road and the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Science and Technology.
“Oba Sikiru Adetona’s legacy transcends boundaries, embodying the essence of servant leadership and dedication to the betterment of society”.
Below are some of the pictures from the event;
