The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Saturday, paid a condolence visit to the royal family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The Sultan, who had been in the South-West since Thursday, September 25, for the coronation of former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, made the visit on the sidelines of the Ibadan event. He was accompanied by the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and other top Muslim leaders.
Upon arrival, he was received by Prince Saud Adedire Adetona, heir of the royal family, before proceeding with his entourage to the tomb of the late monarch, who passed away on July 13, 2025, the same day as former President Muhammadu Buhari, at the age of 91, to offer prayers for the repose of his soul in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
After the prayers, the Sultan was hosted at a modest yet dignified reception attended by prominent Ijebu leaders, including the Regent of Ijebuland and Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, Olori Omo-Oba Ijebu Dr. Kunle Hassan, and other distinguished guests.
Also present were two of the widows of the late Awujale, Olori Agba Iyabode Adetona and Olori Modupe Adetona, with Olori Obakemi Adetona unavoidably absent. Children of the late monarch, including Prince Ademola Adetona, Prince Adeniyi Adetona, and Princess Adetoun Adetona, were also in attendance.
In his welcome address, Regent Kuku expressed profound appreciation to the Sultan for honoring the family and the people of Ijebuland with his visit despite his busy schedule.
“It is with great honour and reverence that I, as Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, extend a warm welcome to you to Ijebuland. Your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that exist between our communities,” Kuku said.
The Sultan, in his remarks, urged the people of Ijebuland to continue to pray for the late Awujale and to uphold peace and unity as the selection process for his successor begins.
“Let us continue to pray for him — during our five daily prayers and on Fridays — because that is what we owe our leaders after they are gone. They have played their part, and it is now left for us to build on the legacy they have left behind,” he said.
He commended the Ijebu royal family for its unity and urged them to preserve the late Awujale’s legacy of peace and development.
“Let us do what will bring peace to our community, our country, and our personal lives. Every development starts with the family, and this family has been exemplary. We pray that Almighty Allah gives Ijebuland an Awujale who will surpass the works of our late brother, unite the entire community, and continue to foster peace across the South-West and Nigeria,” the Sultan added.
The visit drew attendance from eminent personalities and community leaders, underscoring the late Awujale’s national stature and the enduring bond between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Ijebu Kingdom.
Prominent personalities during the visit
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