Awujale played huge role in my emergence as president, he told me I’ll win again – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the late Awujale of Ijebuland, assured him of victory at the 2027 polls.

Adetona died last Sunday at the age of 91.

His death came just hours after the announcement of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, his long-time friend.

An eight-day Fidau prayer was held in honour of the late monarch at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun, on Sunday.

Tinubu, who attended the event, attributed his victory at the 2023 presidential elections to blessings he received from Awujale.

“I thank God almighty that I stand before you as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

“Our history would not have been completed carefully and richly if I had failed in the last election. I was successful because of your support and the blessing of the late Awujale.

“I came to him, he blessed me, and he said, ‘O o tun wole ekan si ‘(you will win a second term). Go ahead.‘”

The president’s comments were met with cheers and applause.

“Today he’s no more. He’s gone,” Tinubu added.

He thanked Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, for taking care of Adetona during his lifetime and described the late monarch as a leader that embodied conscience, tradition, and dignity.

“He was always there at that time of need for all of us. I could recount the June 12 episode, our protest then, our episode in his palace, our resistance, and our determination to reverse the annulment of June 12,” Tinubu recounted.

“Baba was steadfast, was resolute, and was very encouraging.”

Last year, Tinubu conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON), the second-highest honour in the country, on the late Awujale to felicitate his 90th birthday.

Reflecting, Tinubu expressed gratitude that he celebrated the monarch while he lived and urged Nigerians to embody the values that defined the late Awujale’s life.