Connect with us

Society

Celebrating Oba Sikiru Adetona 64 years as oba….. The King Many Monarchs Wish To Be

Published

on

Oba Sikiru Adetona 64 years on throne 
Blessed By God And Honoured By Men
Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland is the kind of king monarchs aspire to be. And after 64 years on the throne, that prestige has not waned.
Installed as king on April 2, 1960, just a few months shy of Nigeria’s Independence, Awujale’s reign is currently older than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As it stands, he is the longest-reigning first-class monarch in Nigeria. These are not mere statistics, they are hard facts that prove, Oba Adetona is a king blessed by God and honoured by men.
A cursory look at the life of this esteemed ruler is proof that when there are kings who are not limited in wisdom, power, goodness, and love for subjects, then monarchy would be the best of all systems of government. Every year, at the Ojude Oba festival, multitudes of Ijebu citizens throng home from around the world to celebrate and felicitate with their beloved king. They do this not out of duty or enforced obligation, but out of a deep-seated love for their king and their land.
But Awujale’s path to the throne was not one paved with velvet and inlaid with a thornless bed of flowers; no, it was rough, the journey was tough, and the experience could sometimes be bitter, as with that of men with great destinies. But these only served as stepping stones to his future, unanimously given, throne.
Ọba Sikiru Olukayọde Adetọna, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, was born 90 years ago on May 10, 1934, into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijẹbuland in his father’s house in Imupa, Ijebu Ode.
As a prince from the line of Oba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (c. 1825–1906), who was the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 to 1906 and a descendant of Olu-Iwa, the legendary first Awujalẹ and Ọbanta, another founder of the Ijẹbu kingdom, Oba Sikiru was born to greatness.
After attending various Baptist Schools, Ereko, Ijẹbu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke Agbo, Ijẹbu-Igbo; and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu-Ode between 1943 and 1950, he attended Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutọla) College, Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956. Between 1957 and 1958 he took up an appointment with the then Audit Department of the Western Region, Ibadan. From there on he resigned his appointment in 1958 to pursue further studies in accountancy in the United Kingdom.
By a letter dated January 4, 1960, referenced CB. 4 1/333, the Permanent Secretary in the Western Region Ministry of Local Government conveyed to the Local Government Adviser in Ijẹbu 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).
Prominent Ijẹbu sons like the late Ọgbẹni-Ọja, Chief (Dr.) Timothy Adeọla Odutọla, Bọbasuwa I, Chief Emmanuel Okusanya Okunọwọ (MBE, KFNM); and Aṣiwaju, Chief Samuel Ọlatubọsun Ṣhonibare began to arrange for the home-coming of the King-elect, and on January 18, 1960, the Head of the Ijẹbu Ode Regency Council, the Ọgbeni-Ọja, Chief Timothy Adeọla Odutọla formally presented the new traditional ruler to the whole world.
A man of tradition, he embarked on the customary traditional seclusion at the Odo for three months.
It would be remembered that even though Oba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna had earlier been nominated along with five others by the ODIS, his great destiny prevailed and he 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 Kayọde Adetọna as Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland, and the formal coronation took place on Saturday, April 2, 1960.
But in the midst of all these, he had many documented and undocumented trials and travails.
Looking back, Oba Adetona’s extraordinary destiny serves history in preservation. His is a life to be wished for, a legacy that must be preserved, and a story that must continue to be told for generations to come.
Not many kings want their life story in the public domain, instead, as second-in-command to the gods, they prefer that air of mystery to ensure that their rule remains absolute and their personal affairs secret. But Awujale is a different kind of king – an erudite. He authored his biography, laying his cards bare and ensuring that many can learn the lessons of history through his life’s story. This is what formed the basis of the soon-to-be-released biopic, ‘Awujale’ by Ultimate Communications, as directed by Tunde Olaoye.
Currently gearing for an Ijebu premiere later this month, the film follows the life of Oba Sikiru through the ages in an unfolding story. This documents through film the life of one of the greatest obas in Yoruba Land.
As he marks his 90th birthday, it is only fitting that one should say ‘Kabiyesi O! Long may the crown sit on the head, long may the shoes fit the wearer, and long may you reign.” But in prayer, many would secretly say to the creator “May I be as great as the king, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu Land.”
Seun oloketuyi Producer of the biopic writes from Lagos

Society

Aviation Minister Celebrates Festive Season Through Generous Palliative Distribution In Delta

Published

on

By

 

In the spirit of the festive season, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has undertaken a remarkable act of goodwill, distributing a substantial array of food items to the people of Delta State. This benevolent initiative is aimed at fostering camaraderie and ensuring that the joy of the season is shared with all.

The extensive distribution exercise includes over 10,000 bags of rice, hundreds of cows, and rams, benefitting a wide spectrum of recipients including traditional rulers, party leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, opinion leaders, ethnic groups, and other key stakeholders. The gesture has been widely applauded as a demonstration of the Minister’s enduring connection with his roots and his commitment to the welfare of his people.

Speaking before the distribution commenced, Keyamo expressed his heartfelt motivation for this philanthropic effort, emphasizing the importance of giving back to a community that has shown him unwavering support throughout his journey. “This initiative is my humble way of reciprocating the kindness and generosity I have received from the people of Delta State. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with my kith and kin,” he said.

Keyamo also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing the importance of collective effort in addressing the nation’s challenges. He underscored the need for unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility as critical factors for national development.

A proud son of Delta State, Keyamo has long been a champion of the Nigerian people’s welfare. His distinguished career as a lawyer, human rights activist, and public servant has been marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and fairness, earning him widespread admiration both at home and abroad.

The festive season distribution is yet another testament to his enduring dedication to the betterment of society and his determination to make a meaningful impact in the lives of his people.

Tunde Moshood
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

Continue Reading

Society

Late Samuel Ogbemudia’s daughter Eghe impeached as Egor council chairman

Published

on

By

The legislative arms of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State have impeached the council chairman, Eghe Ogbemudia, and the vice chairman, Frank Osawe.

The legislators also suspended the leader of the legislative arms, Bosede Omokaro, Majority Leader, Iwinosa Enabulele, and Elliot Inneh Enni, the Chief Whip.

The council’s chairman and vice chairman were impeached for alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial misappropriation, unlawful withholding of statutory allowances of a principal member and three other council members as well as budget padding.

The principal officers of the council were allegedly suspended for inability to collaborate effectively with the local government chairmen, particularly in ensuring timely payment of salaries,

the two-month delay in councillors’ salaries, failure to provide effective oversight and neglect of responsibilities.

The motion for their impeachment was moved by Nosakhare Isiegbuwa, seconded by Stella Ogida Osagioduwa and signed by four legislators.

The suspension of the former principal officers of the legislative arms was passed by five members, with one member absent.

The House immediately swore in Kelvin Eguakun, the leader of the legislative arm, as the acting chairman of the council.

Moving the motion for the impeachment, Nosakhare Isiegbuwa, at plenary on Friday, December 27, 2024, said the report submitted by the seven-man panel appointed to probe the allegations of gross misconduct against the chairman and vice chairman found the duo guilty of all the allegations.

In a unanimous voice vote, the councillors impeached the chairman and vice chairman.

Society Reporters learnt that the impeachment proceedings were formally documented in the Edo State Government Gazette.

The gazetted document notified the affected officials of the initiation of impeachment proceedings in line with the Edo Local Government Bye-law on Pro-Action Notices, Legislative Privileges, and Impeachment Procedures For Elected Council Officials, 2024.

Society Reporters reports that the impeached council chairman, Eghe Ogbemudia, is the daughter of the late General Samuel Ogbemudia, the former military governor of the old Midwest and Bendel states.

He was also a civilian governor of old Bendel State in 1983. He ruled for three months before the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari was overthrown by the former military government of General Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 1983.

Continue Reading

Society

Kwara Governor, Abdulrazaq mourns late Chief of Staff, Abdulquadri Mahe

Published

on

By

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has described his late Chief of Staff, Abdulquadri Mahe, as a perfect gentleman, community leader, urbane public servant and a statesman.

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Saturday, governor Abdulrazaq said: ‘In total submission to the will of Allah, we regret to announce the passing of the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe.

“He died this morning, December 28, 2024, as has been destined by Allah.

“The late CoS will be buried today, Saturday, at his residence on Moro Street, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, after the Asr prayer.

“His Excellency deeply mourns the death of Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, a perfect gentleman, community leader, urbane public servant, and a statesman.”

The governor commiserated with the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the immediate family of Prince AbdulKadir, government establishments and cabinet members.

“We ask for the understanding of everyone at this mournful period as the government and family mourn the quintessential public servant.

“We pray that Allah accept his return, ease his accounts, admit him to al-jannah Firdaus, and uphold his family upon goodness,” the statement added.

 

Continue Reading

Trending