President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, assured him of success in the 2027 presidential election.
The president’s statement is a confirmation that he will be seeking a fresh tenure in office after he must have completed his first four-year term in 2027. This put to an end speculations around his interest in seeking re-election.
Speaking at the eight-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the late monarch at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Tinubu said the Awujale played a key spiritual role in his 2023 presidential election victory.
Oba Adetona died last Sunday at the age of 91, just hours after the passing of his longtime friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“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 complete if I had failed in the last election. I succeeded 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’ — meaning, you will win a second term.”
The president’s remarks drew cheers from the audience.
Paying tribute, Tinubu thanked Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for his care for the monarch and described the Awujale as a man of conscience, dignity, and deep-rooted tradition.
“He was always there for us in times of need,” Tinubu recalled. “I remember the June 12 struggle — our protest, our visits to his palace, our resistance — Baba was firm, encouraging, and unwavering in his support.”
In 2023, Tinubu honoured Adetona with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to celebrate his 90th birthday — the second-highest national award.
Reflecting on his legacy, the president expressed gratitude that he honoured the monarch while he was still alive and urged Nigerians to emulate the values that defined Oba Adetona’s life.