Tinubu Reveals The Role Awujale Played in June 12 Struggle, 2023 Election

Tinubu has revealed the role Awujale of Ijebuland played in the June 12 struggle and the 2023 election.

Eko Hot News reports that President Bola Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Speaking at the eight-day Fidau held at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Tinubu described the Awujale as an exemplary monarch who brought dignity, pride, and honour to the Yoruba race.

The President hailed the late monarch as a courageous democrat and a firm ally during the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, believed to have been won by MKO Abiola.

President Tinubu recalled the monarch’s support for his 2023 presidential bid, saying the Yoruba narrative would have been incomplete had he lost.

The President said, “Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land, was a great leader of conscience, tradition and of great value. He brought pride, dignity and honour to the Yoruba race. I am extremely proud of him. He was always there at that time of need for all of us.

“I could recount June 12 episodes in his palace are for real. Our resistance, our determination to reverse the annulment of June 12. Baba was steadfast, resolute and very encouraging.

“That he lived to be 91 years old, and to be honoured during his 90th birthday with the GCON title is what I always considered a great honour.

“He was very honest, bold, courageous, and truthful. He will not deceive you.

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

“I came to him and he blessed me, and he said you are winning that election, and you will be returned to office.”

President Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi, and governors from Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara states, said the late monarch’s wisdom was unmatched.

“Today, he is no more. He is gone. The richness of his wisdom is uncommon, as espoused by Governor Dapo Abiodun in his address,” Tinubu said.

“We have to be more united, bonded in the spirit that he left behind. We must cherish his legacy and appreciate him in death. We have named institutions after him. His legacies will endure.

“It is left for you and I to reflect on the culture and value that he represented. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus,” President Tinubu said.