Abuja: The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing his death as a significant loss to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NSCIA conveyed its condolences through a message issued by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede. Oloyede emphasized that it is with profound grief and submission to the will of Allah that the NSCIA, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, mourns the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Until his passing, Oba Adetona was the Chairman of the Ogun State Muslim Council, an integral arm of NSCIA in the state. His contributions to the Muslim community in Ogun State and Nigeria were significant.
Oloyede further stated that the death of Adetona is a considerable loss, not only to the government and people of Ogun State but to the entire Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. He noted that Adetona’s long reign was a period marked by impressive royalty, religious devotion, peace-building, and dedication to noble causes. Adetona was recognized as a leader who valued serving the people, and his influence extended beyond Ijebuland and Ogun State, making him a national figure whose counsel was sought by leaders across Nigeria.
The Council extended its condolences to the family of the late ruler, the Ijebu community worldwide, the government and people of Ogun State, including the Ogun State Muslim Community and Council, and the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria. The Council prayed for Allah to forgive Oba Adetona’s shortcomings and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Awujale died on July 13 at the age of 91. Born on May 10, 1934, he served as the Awujale of the Ijebu Kingdom, a traditional state in Nigeria, until his death. Oba Adetona was installed as king on April 2, 1960, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and a member of the House of Anikinaiya.