The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has commiserated with family, traditional rulers, Ogun State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large as Awujale of Egbaland died at 91.
This is contained in a Press Release signed by Comrade Moses Olafare, the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, sent to Pressmen on Monday,in Ile-Ife.
The Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council(SNTRC) described the late monarch as a living oracle of royal distinction, whose passage is a chapter closed in golden ink.
According to him, for 64 historic years, Oba Adetona wore the crown not merely as an ornament of royalty but as a badge of responsibility, standing as a fearless patriarch of modern Yoruba identity.
He described the life journey and achievement of the late Ijebu paramount ruler as a major prayer point for all the reigning monarchs all over the country.
Oba Ogunwusi said that late Awujale not only succeeded in mounting the throne of forebears 64 years ago, but also resigned for 64 years on the throne, making him one of the longest reigning in Nigeria.
"Late Awujale was a recipient of God's race grace of mercy and favour, which I always pray for and which all the monarchs in Nigeria should turn to their prayer point.
"At a very young age, he had wanted to become Awujale, God did it for him, he had wished to live long, God did it for him by making him to die at the ripe age of 91.
"It was also his wish to enjoy long reign which God also gracious granted him and reigned for 64 years on the throne. He truly enjoyed God's grace uncommonly". Ooni stated.
The Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) explained that in the sacred tradition of Yoruba kingship, Kabiyesi is not mourned, his legacy is rather celebrated.
Ooni expressed further that the departure of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who sat gloriously on the throne of his forebears for over six decades, is the glorious return of an elephant to the ancestral plains; a homecoming to the sacred gathering of eternal kings"
"Oba Sikiru Adetona was a titan in the palace, a lion on the path of justice, and a towering symbol of courage and clarity in the service of truth, tradition, and integrity.
"His voice echoed far beyond the confines of Ijebuland, shaping national discourse, defending the dignity of the Yoruba race, and championing the sacred values of our cultural heritage.
"He was a king among kings, unyielding in principle, unmatched in wisdom, and unforgettable in presence, he was indeed a ruthlessly blunt in saying it as it is" Ooni stated.
On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and the entire Yoruba traditional institution, the Ooni commiserates with the Awujale Royal Family, the good people of Ijebuland,home and in diaspora, Ogun State Council of Obas, Ogun State Government and Nigerian Nation at large.
He prayed "May the immortal spirit of Kabiyesi be received with thunderous royal chants in the ancestral abode, where only kings of divine calling dwell.
"The elephant has gone to rest like a mountain, but his footprints shall remain indelible on the sands of time". Oba Ogunwusi emphasised.
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