The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has eulogized the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, for being an epitome of good character and integrity, noting the monarch’s philanthropic gestures even at the advanced age of 89 is worthy of emulation.
Abiodun, who also described the Oba Adetona as a philanthropist per excellence and great achiever, expressed the eulogy during the celebration of the 89th birthday of the monarch, held in Ijebu-Ode.
The governor appreciated Awujale for being a father figure to millions of Ijebu sons and daughters and commended his selfless service to humanity through the Institute of Governance Studies which he singlehandedly created at the Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye.According to him, Oba Adetona’s vision behind the Institute of Governance Studies at the OOU is exemplary.
“What you have done is simply exemplary, I have not found a monarch that is as giving as you are. Not only do you give us your children or the community you give to institutions.
“Because of your love for governance and process, you decided to invest in an institute of Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, you spent your hard earned money in putting in place a multi billion naira world class institution.
“You have entrusted these and ensured that it will be self-sustaining, you have employed the best of professors and that are being paid like other professors anywhere in the world. Baba, this is one of your many legacies that you have built for generations yet unborn, you will live long your majesty,” he said.
In his remarks, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while describing the Awujale as the longest serving monarch in the country, commended him for his contribution to the development of the state and the country as a whole.
Also speaking, one of the daughters of the monarch, Princess (Dr) Adetutu Adetona-Anyaegbunem who described her father as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, equally commended him for coming up with the Institute having realized the lacuna in the provision of good governance at all levels.
The Limeri of Awa-Ijebu, Oba Habeeb Awobajo, who described the Awujale as a “projector” to Ijebuland, Ogun and the country as a whole, prayed for a more purposeful life for the monarch.