By Lukman Omikunle
“Orisa Ijebu Has Ascended…,” Gbenga Daniel Mourns Late Awujale of Ijebuland with Emotional Tribute
Former Governor of Ogun State and serving Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has joined millions across Nigeria in mourning the passing of the revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ogbagba II, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
In a heartfelt tribute released shortly after the announcement of the monarch’s death, Senator Daniel described the news as one that struck him with “great sadness and profound sense of loss,” emphasizing the deep personal bond he shared with the late king.
“I received the news of the passing of our highly revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ogbagba II, the Awujale of Ijebuland with great sadness and profound sense of loss,” he wrote.
Recounting his close relationship with the late monarch, Senator Daniel remarked, “His death was a personal loss to me because we shared a great deal of confidence and close relationships. Kabiyesi was not just our traditional ruler in Ìjèbú land, but a father figure to many of us.”
He extolled the late king as the embodiment of the Ijebu spirit and a beacon of traditional leadership rooted in moral clarity. “His life exemplified the true core values of what the whole of Ijebu people represent; he was the moral compass of integrity, courage and wisdom. He symbolizes the full essence of our culture and traditional values.”
Reflecting on Oba Adetona’s exceptional reign, Senator Daniel praised the monarch’s enduring legacy: “In his 65 years on the throne, Kabiyesi became the symbol and identity of progress, resourcefulness and enterprise earning the sobriquet as ‘Orisa Ijebu,’ an apotheosis of a god with spiritual authority and a dispenser of prosperity.”
Describing the monarch’s demise as both an end and a beginning, he noted, “His exit marked a significant closure of an exciting era and the reopening of a new chapter in the history of Ìjèbú and Yoruba land in general.”
Gbenga Daniel offered his condolences to key national and regional figures: “I extend my heartfelt commiseration to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, a personal friend and alter ego of Kabiyesi Awujale Adetona; to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; to the good people of Ogun State and most especially every sons and daughters of Ìjèbú land at home and in the diaspora.”
He also acknowledged the grieving royal household and traditional institutions. “My condolences to the Oloriruns, the Council of Otunbas and Chiefs and to the immediate families of Kabiyesi Awujale on this loss.”
Despite the sorrow, the Senator found solace in spiritual reflection. “I am personally comforted that Kabiyesi Adetona has just transitioned into the eternal realm of immortality and spirituality where he will forever superintend over the affairs of Akile Ijebu and its prosperity.”
He concluded with prayers for strength for the royal family and the Ijebu people, saying, “I wish his earthly family the guidance of the Almighty as I pray for their comfort to be able to bear the pains of this spiritual ascension to the world of saints.”
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s passing has marked the end of a monumental reign that shaped Ijebuland and Yoruba royalty. His memory, as encapsulated in the words of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, remains eternal. Read More
