How Awujale Predicted My 2023 Victory and 2027 Re-election, Says Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, predicted not only his victory in the 2023 presidential election but also foresaw his re-election in 2027. The president made this disclosure on Sunday during the eighth-day fidau prayer held in honour of the revered monarch at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Addressing dignitaries and mourners gathered to pay their final respects, President Tinubu described Oba Adetona as a courageous and principled leader who stood firmly for truth, justice, and democracy. He recalled the private encounter in which the monarch expressed unwavering confidence in his electoral success.

“I went to him and he said, ‘You are winning that election, and you will win a second term. Go ahead.’ God has blessed us,” Tinubu said. “If you listened to the richness of his wisdom, you would understand why I am extremely proud of him.”

The president credited the late monarch with providing quiet but significant support during critical periods in Nigeria’s democratic journey, especially the struggle to reverse the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. He hailed Oba Adetona as a strong supporter of justice who remained resolute throughout his life.

“He was always there in times of need for all of us. During the June 12 episode—our protests and resistance—Baba was steadfast and very encouraging,” the president recalled.

President Tinubu, accompanied by his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu, laid a wreath at the monarch’s final resting place and later met privately with the bereaved royal family. He described the monarch’s passing as a great loss, not only to Ijebuland and the Yoruba race but to the entire nation.

Dignitaries at the fidau included Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and 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 Dele Alake, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senators Solomon Adeola and Seriake Dickson, and Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives Ibrahim Isiaka.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who received the president at the venue along with Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele and other members of the state executive council, described the Awujale as a visionary and revered patriarch whose reign brought prestige and transformation to Ijebuland.

“Kabiyesi was the voice of the voiceless and a mentor to many. He was not just a traditional ruler; he was a moral compass and symbol of dignity and stability,” Abiodun said.

Ijebu-Ode was enveloped in a blend of solemnity and celebration as residents and visitors donned colourful traditional and modern attire to honour the departed monarch. Key markets including Ita-Ale, Ita-Osu, and Oke-Aje were closed to enable full participation in the rites. Cultural performances and traditional drumming created an atmosphere that reflected the rich heritage of Ijebuland.

Earlier in the day, both Muslim and Christian clerics led prayer sessions at the late monarch’s private residence. Traditional rulers, political leaders, and community members joined in the ceremonies that underscored Oba Adetona’s influence and legacy.

Dr. Udu Chukwu, leader of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ijebu-Ode, also paid tribute to the monarch, describing him as a “good in-law” and a promoter of peace. “I have lived in Ijebu-Ode for over 30 years without issues. Under Kabiyesi’s reign, our people prospered,” he said.

President Tinubu concluded his tribute by urging the people of Ijebuland and the political class to honour Oba Adetona’s memory by upholding unity, integrity, and the values the monarch embodied.