AWUJALE 80TH BIRTHDAY CLIMAXED IN STYLE

L-R: The Chairman, First City Group, Otunba Subomi Balogun, 

Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and 

the Awujale of  Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona

It was a gathering of crème de la crème from both the political and economic terrain of Nigeria when Ogbagba II, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land in the person of Oba Dr. Sikiru Adetona commemorated his 80^th birthday over the weekend.

The week long activity making the birthday of the Oba climaxed in an aesthetic ambiance with a grand luncheon at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijedu-Ode.

Among eminent Nigerians at the event were President Goodluck Jonathan ably represented by his Chief of Staff, General Oladeinde Arogbofa (rtd), former head of state, General Mohammedu Buhari, Former Governor of Lagos state and National Leader of All progressive Congress (APC), Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Alinko Dangote, Chairman of Globacom and Chief Mike Adenuga.  

President Jonathan’s representative eulogized the monarch for his wisdom in steering the affairs of Ijebu people for the past 54 years. “It is very obvios that the the wealth of wisdom of Oba Sikiru Adetona has attracted the quality of people that have come to celebrate with the Kabiyesi on this remarkable occasion of 80^th birthday”, he enthused.

In his words, Governor Ibukunle Amosun described the Oba as  a father who uses his wisdom to assist the government of the state. “Kabiyesi loves his people immensely by using his wealth of wisdom and experience to guide his people”.

In recognition of the Oba Adetona’ contribution to the success of the government, Governor Amosun named the first flyover bridge in Ijebuland after the monarch.

The celebrant expressed gratitude to Allah who has been on his side and also reaffirmed his stand on the truth in all matters of the state,  the entire nation and beyond.

High point of the occasion was the cutting of the historic cake by the Oba, assisted by this immediate family and all royal fathers present. His age group who are also monarchs in various communities in the state rendered a special anthem to felicitate with Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Other eminent personalities included: Alafin of Oyo, Oba of Lagos, Obi of Onitsha, Former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel,  former Governor Dr. Olusegun Osoba, Alake of Egbaland, the Olowu of Ogun state, former Governor of old Oyo State,  Dr. Omololu Olunloyo and Governor of Bayelsa state, Seriako Dickson.

Also in attendance were;  Chairmanl of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mallam Adamu Mu’azu; the Osile of Oke-Ona, former Minister of FCT, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Safiriyu Oyefusi;  Pastor Tunde Bakare and Chairman, First City monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun.

Outside the high profile Nigerians who graced the occasion, some expatriates also converged in the ancient city of Ijebu land to reverence the Oba.

The event was a great platform for meet and greet with dignitaries as everyone went back to their various destination on high.