Awujale predicted my second term victory, says Tinubu

As from sunrise, the stadium was filled to the brim by indigenes who adorned traditional and modern attires, reflecting the cultural richness of Ijebuland

Major markets such as Ita-Ale, Ita-Osu, and Oke-Aje were temporarily shut to enable full participation in the farewell ceremonies.

Traditional drums echoed, with local groups performing chants and dances in tributes.

The president was accompanied by his Senator Oluremi, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; and Minister of Communications, Innovation, Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani,  Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senators Seriake Dickson, whose mother is Ijebu and Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives Ibrahim Isiaka, and Representative Olumide Osoba.

Before moving to the stadium, Muslim and Christian clerics, traditional rulers, political leaders, and other guests converged on Oba Adetona’s private residence for prayer sessions.

President Tinubu was received by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Secretary  to Government Tokunbo Talabi and other members of the State Executive  Council.

Other dignitaties included Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman, Ijebu Council of Chiefs,  Olorogun Sunny Kuku, leader of the League of Imam and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anglican Bishop of Remo Diocese, Most Reverend  Olusina Fape,  Chief Economic  Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Chief Dapo Okubadejo, and Ijebu traditional rulers.

‘Awujale was more than a monarch’

Abiodun urged the Ijebu people to build on his legacies. He said: “Kabiyesi was the voice of the voiceless and a revered patriarch. His reign brought prestige to our land and dignity to the Yoruba race. Under his leadership, Ijebuland witnessed unprecedented transformation,”

Abiodun added: “Awujale sustained the harmony and dignity he so earnestly preserved. Kabiyesi was not just a ruler; he was a mentor, a visionary, a moral compass who stood as a towering symbol of dignity and stability.

Ohanaeze: Adetona, a good in-law

The leader of the pan- Igbo socio-cultural group in Ijebu-Ode,  Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Udu Chukwu,  said the Igbo community enjoyed peace and prosperity during the reign of the departed traditional ruler.

Udu Chukwu, who is the Onowu Ndigbo of Ijebu Ode, said he has been living in Ijebuland for over 30 years without problem, adding that their Igbo businessmen thrive in Ijebuland.