The Federal Government has conferred the second highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON) on the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The conferment, which coincides with the 90th birthday anniversary of the respected monarch, according to President Bola Tinubu, is in recognition of the former’s contributions to the enthronement and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
The symbolic ceremony held in the ancient town of Ijebu Ode, with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, representing the President.
Tinubu eulogised Awujale, describing him as “a man of courage, dignity, honour, who has lived a life that is wholly committed to duty and service.”
He added: “In time of adversity, Oba Adetona showed strength and kingly character. He stood his ground and confronted injustice and oppression during our just struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in the land between 1993 and 1999. If democracy is blossoming in our country today, it is because patriarchs like Oba Adetona stood firmly on the side of the people.
The President, who regretted his unavoidable absence at the ceremony, recalled that he had personally-signed a tribute to Oba Adetona to “underscore his transcendental and preeminent status as a royal father not just in our country, but also as one of the most adored around the world.”
The President continued: “Kabiyesi Adetona deserves all the accolades we can accord him because he earned them. In the last 64 years, Kabiyesi had served the people of Ijebuland with great wisdom and rare dedication. It is not surprising that his kingdom and people have continued to thrive.”
While wishing the monarch many more years of service to the people of Ijebuland and Nigeria as a whole, Tinubu expressed delight on the inauguration of the Post-Graduate School on Policy and Governance Studies, which is being funded by Oba Adetona.
The President disclosed that as “a fitting compliment to Kabiyesi’s educational legacy,” and in order to ensure that the knowledge production and intellectual output of the Post-Graduate school benefit the entire country, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru, Jos, would be mandated to take-over the running and management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies.
