Coronation Anniversary: Tinubu, Others to Honour Awujale at Book Presentation, Project Inauguration

James Sowole in Abeokuta

President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead the federal government delegation and other eminent personalities to a book presentation on ‘Reinventing Governance in Nigeria’ as part of activities marking the  64th coronation anniversary and 90th birthday of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

The presentation of the book is expected to be held on May 10, 2024, at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye.

Oba Adetona, who was born on May 10, 1934, ascended the throne of his forefathers on April 2, 1960 following a letter, dated January 4, 1960 referenced CB. 4 1/333, the Permanent Secretary in the Western Region’s Ministry of Local Government conveyed to the Local Government 

Adviser in Ijebu Ode.

The Chairman of the Awujale’s 64th coronation and 90th birthday anniversary, Dr. Adekunle Hassan, stated this at a news conference held at Awujale’s Palace Ijebu Ode, where some activities lined up for the anniversary were revealed.

Hassan explained that there would also be a documentary on the legendary traditional ruler at the OOU.

He added that an iconic multi billion naira School of Governance bequeathed to the university for postgraduate studies and research in good governance would be inaugurated.

Describing Oba Adetona as a distinguished Nigerian that had contributed in no small measure to the development of Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria, Hassan said the foremost traditional ruler, does not discriminate between two major religious adherents.

“On Friday, May 3, there will be a Jum’at Service at the Ijebu Ode Central Mosque , followed by a Thanksgiving Church Service at the Cathedral 

Church of Our Saviour, Itaolowajoda, Ijebu Ode. 

“On Friday, May 10, the exact date of his 90th birthday, he will be playing host to the President of the country, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and numerous country men and women at the Olabisi Onabanjo University ,Ago Iwoye.

“The President will witness 2024 edition of the Annual Oba Adetona Professorial Chair Lecture on Governance and a documentary on the legendary traditional ruler.

“The grand finale holds on Saturday, May 11 when the Ijebu nation will be hosting a civic reception in honour of their King who is the Ijebu deity at the Dipo 

Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode,” he said.

He noted that Adetona represented the totality of the worthy ancestral heritage of a people that had carved a niche for themselves in governance.