The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, visited the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Saturday to offer condolences.
The Sultan was joined by the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, Rasaki Oladejo, and other top Muslim leaders. They were welcomed by the heir of the royal family, Saud Adetona.
The late Awujale passed away on July 13, 2025, the same day as former President Muhammadu Buhari, at 91 years old.
At a reception attended by important Ijebu leaders, including the Regent of Awujale and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olor’ogun Sonny Kuku, and the Olori Omo Oba Ijebu, Kunle Hassan, the Sultan encouraged Muslims to keep the late Awujale in their prayers.
Abubakar also spoke about his personal connection with some members of the royal family and praised the late Awujale for bringing his people together.
He said, “First of all, we thank Almighty Allah for his blessing and for bringing us together this afternoon as members of one big family. And I said one big family because I also belong to the Awujale family. We thank Almighty Allah for bringing us home, and as we arrived, we went straight to the grave of our brother, our friend, and offered our prayers to him even though we’ve been praying for him while alive, while he was operating from indexes, and when Almighty Allah called him. We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive him and grant him Aljannat al-Firdaus.”
The Sultan also prayed for a successor who would do even more than the late Awujale.
“May he give us somebody who will unite the entire community. The entire South West and the entire country,” he added.
Kuku, speaking earlier, welcomed the Sultan and mentioned their shared background as alumni of King’s College Lagos and Barewa College Zaria. He thanked the Sultan for visiting the royal family and said it showed brotherhood and unity across religion and culture.
“Your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that exist between our communities. We are deeply touched by your decision to pay a condolence visit to the Royal Family of our late Awujale and the people of Ijebuland. Your Eminence’s gesture demonstrates your commitment to fostering unity and peace among Nigerians, transcending religious and cultural divides,” he added.
