Awujale of Ijebuland is my Oba of Democratic Dispensation

...a contented royal symbol


Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom has been known for its firmness and discipline before and in democratic dispensation since his ascendancy in 1960. Some Obas are disciplined too, but I get inspirations from Oba S.K Adetona more.


During the turbulent days of Gen. Sanni Abacha military junta, Awujale was the only Oba-THE ONE I KNOW OF-in the South-West that refused to compromise the royal stool when Abacha was inducing others with millions of naira, just to keep them speechless.


Abacha was trying to win the hearts of Yoruba Obas because he was keeping one of their sons (M.K.O Abiola, the acclaimed winner of that election) in prison.


You know what the take-away would be from the Abacha Presidential Villa! But Oba S.K Adetona wasn't moved.


Born on May 10, 1934, Oba Sikiru Adetona has been a CONTENTED ROYAL SYMBOL; one among millions of Obas that WILL never run after government contracts. He has the opportunity; he has the privilege, he has the access, but never will.


Again, he exhibited his discipline and what he stands for when President Goodluck Jonathan visited him on March 12, 2015, seeking endorsement from Yoruba Obas.


It was reported that Jonathan Campaign Team/PDP was splashing $25, 000 on first-grade Obas in the South-West for royal endorsement and blessing.


But Oba S.K Adetona indirectly told the intimidating entourage that: Ijebuland royal blessing isn't for sale. We bless those that deserved it.


During a presidential visit to his palace, the Oba urged the President to present his programme to the people of Ijebuland for them to format their opinion on whether to vote him or not.


"In Ijebu here, it is not possible for any Oba, not even in Ijebu, in Yorubaland, to go out and say vote for this, vote for that, that person is looking for trouble, but give them the opportunity to present their programme so that people can make up their minds on what to do, I think this is a very sound democratic principle and that is what I have decided to do, to give you the opportunity of meeting with the people."


Did any Oba in the South-West, or entire Nigeria, tell Mr. President that?


Awujale wasn't intimated by the dollars, or the mammoth-powerful entourage of Dr. G.E Jonathan like PDP National Chairman, Adamu Muazu; governor of Ondo state, Dr. Segun Mimiko; the governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Diskson; Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South West, Prince Buruji Kashamu; former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Musiliu Obanikoro; the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Gboyega Isiaka; and other influential cum heavyweights PDP leaders.


Well, Mr. President was just three years old when Oba S.K Adetona at age 26 became the paramount ruler of Ijebu Land, so to stoop so low for dollars doesn't worth it for an Oba respected worldwide.


Kade pelori!


And do you know the uniqueness of Awulaje of Ijebuland?


When Oba Adetona on Tuesday, April 5, 1960, took his seat as a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs, after a formal introduction, some Obas and Chiefs nominated him for the presidency of the House of Chiefs though older and traditionally more senior Oba were as at that time.


This should be a lesson to other traditional rulers in Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole. A traditional ruler should be non-partisan in politics. Politician will come to office and leave, but an Oba reins till Eledumare's call.


The outgoing and incoming president will always respect Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona for his virtues.


Kade pe lori, kibate pelese, igba odun, odun kan pelu Alafia.



Opeyemi Quadri
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