Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and chairman of Nigeria’s National Traditional Rulers Council (NTRCN), recently paid a solemn visit to the royal family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, to offer his condolences.
The Sultan arrived in the South-West region on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to attend the coronation ceremony of Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, the former governor of Oyo State, who was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan Land the following day. On Saturday, September 27, he proceeded to visit the Adetona household.
Accompanying the Sultan were prominent Muslim leaders, including Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), among others.
Upon arrival, Prince Saud Adedire Adetona, a key member of the royal lineage, warmly welcomed the Sultan and his delegation. They then paid respects at the gravesite of the late monarch, who passed away on the same day as former President Muhammadu Buhari-Sunday, July 13, 2025-at the age of 91. Prayers were offered for the eternal peace of his soul in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The visit included a modest reception attended by distinguished Ijebu dignitaries such as the Regent of Awujale, Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, who also holds the title of Agbeni Oja of Ijebuland; Olori Omo Oba Ijebu, Dr. Kunle Hassan; and numerous others who joined the family in welcoming the esteemed Sultan.
Present at the gathering were two of the late Awujale’s widows, Olori Agba Iyabode Adetona and Olori Modupe Adetona, while Olori Obakemi Adetona was absent. The late monarch’s children, including Prince Ademola Adetona, Prince Adeniyi, and Princess Adetoun Adetona, were also in attendance alongside Prince Saud Adedire Adetona.
In his welcome remarks, Regent Sonny Kuku reflected on his longstanding relationship with the Sultan, recalling their days as students at King’s College, Lagos, and Barewa College, Zaria, respectively. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Sultan’s visit despite his demanding schedule.
He stated, “As Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, it is with profound respect and honor that I welcome Your Eminence to Ijebuland. Your presence here symbolizes the enduring ties of brotherhood and unity that bind our communities together.”
He continued, “We are deeply moved by your decision to extend condolences to the Royal Family of our late Awujale and the people of Ijebuland. This act exemplifies your dedication to promoting harmony and peace across Nigeria’s diverse religious and cultural landscape.”
“We pray that Allah grants you safe passage and accepts your heartfelt sympathies. We also cherish your ongoing prayers for the soul of our departed monarch.”
During the visit, the Sultan emphasized the importance of continued prayers for the late Awujale, saying, “First and foremost, we thank Almighty Allah for His blessings and for bringing us together today as one united family.”
“I acknowledge the mothers of this family, the Oloris present, and all other family members. Beside me is my dear friend, Kuku, whom I have known for many years, even before my ascension as Sultan, through the renowned Evercare Hospital.”
“We are grateful to Allah for bringing us here safely. Upon arrival, we immediately visited the grave of our brother and friend to offer prayers, even though we have been praying for him throughout his illness and after his passing. We beseech Allah to forgive him and grant him a place in Al-Jannah al-Firdaus.”
“Let us persist in praying for him whenever we can, especially during our five daily prayers and the Jumuah congregational prayers, as is customary for our leaders.”
“Though they have departed, it is now our responsibility to uphold their legacies and fill the void they have left behind.”
Concluding his remarks, the Sultan prayed for lasting peace in Ijebu land throughout the period of mourning and the forthcoming selection of a new Awujale.
