President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to lead Federal Government’s delegation and other eminent Nigerians to grace a book presentation on “Reinventing Governance in Nigeria,” which is part of activities to celebrate the 64th coronation anniversary and 90th birthday of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The presentation of the book will be held on May 10, 2024, at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, where the president is expected to inaugurate the iconic multi-billion naira School of Governance.
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 committee, Dr. Adekunle Hassan, disclosed this at a news conference held at Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu Ode.
Hassan said there would also be a documentary on Adetona. He described the monarch as a distinguished Nigerian that had contributed in no small measure to the unity, progress and development of Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
According to Hassan, the legendary and foremost traditional ruler does not discriminate between the two major religious adherents, which has aided religious harmony in Ijebuland as attested to in the celebration of the yearly Ojude Oba cultural festival and carnival with all sons and daughters of Ijebu nation participating actively. He reckoned that Adetona represents the totality of the worthy ancestral heritage of a people that had carved a niche for themselves in governance.
“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, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu and numerous country men and women at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.
“The president will witness the 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 would 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.