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How The Awujale Stayed By His Bedside At A UK Hospital
Not many know that the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebu land, and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, are very, very close.
Glimpses of their very deep relationship showed lately during the week long activities put together to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Awujale and his 64 years on the throne of his forefathers.In addition,there was also the unveiling and commissioning of the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. During the week long celebration which climaxed at the Ijebu-Ode stadium on Saturday, 11th of May for the grand 90th birthday party of the Awujale, Governor Dapo Abiodun was very visible, playing the perfect host and leading the line of distinguished Nigerians who had come to felicitate with the highly respected monarch. Everyone that mattered in the country was at the party.
Prominent politicians of different party affiliations all came together to celebrate one of Africa’s longest reigning monarchs. Even political gladiators who barely see eye-to-eye, sheathed their swords and came together for the Awujale. Captains of industry who seldom attend parties and influential personalities many had not seen in a long while stepped out for the first time in years to pay tribute to one of the most enigmatic kings to come from this side of the globe. The President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was ably represented at the May 10th event held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University by his Deputy, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima. The Chief of Staff to the President, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, was also in attendance. Simply put, Awujale’s week long birthday celebration was a carnival of sort and it will remain indelible in the minds of all those that attended for a very long time to come.
The relationship between Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Awujale is a special one. They share a special bond together. It is indeed a relationship that dates back to years before Prince Dapo Abiodun emerged governor of Ogun State. According to the Governor, he calls the Awujale, “My father.’ Every opportunity he gets, he lets anyone who cares to listen know that the Awujale is not just his king, but a man he holds in very high esteem and whom he shares a special relationship with. At the commissioning of the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, Prince Dapo Abiodun seized the opportunity to extol the virtues of the Awujale and share with everyone the bond he shares with his royal father, the Awujale, Paramount ruler of Ijebu land.
Hear him: “Baba Kabiyesi is indeed a phenomenon, a monarch like no other who bestrides the traditional institution like a collosus. His reign has been a monumental success and a pride to the Ijebus. Baba was appointed by the Western region government as a minister and a member of the region’s Executive Council. His services were found indispensable, and subsequently, he was made a commissioner during the state of emergency in 1962. Baba is a bundle of intellect, a philosopher, social engineeer, and incorruptible, transparent and equitable monarch totally committed to the Nigerian state. Baba is God fearing and God serving, who is irrevocably committed to religious harmony, which explains the peaceful harmony between all religious groups in Ijebu land. Baba is a philanthropist of immeasurable proportions. He is a giver, a mentor. Kabiyesi represents the beauty and candour of the ancestral heritage of Ijebu people. His passion for governance and unassailable commitment to education led him to institute the Oba Sikiru Adetona professorial chair in governance in the deprtment of political scence in this university.”
Many, including the prominent guests present at the ocassion, were impressed with the passion and affection with which the governor spoke about his royal father, the Paramount ruler of Ijebu land. To shed more light on the depth of their relationship, Prince Abiodun recalled an incident that not many knew about and how the Awujale played a pivotal role in his life at the critical time the incident took place. According to the governor, he had an accident while in the UK many years ago and the Awujale was with him all through his recuperation period, staying by his bedside to support him and urge him on to make full recovery.
“In church last Sunday and today, we have heard several testimonies from both the Bishop, the VC and others about Baba’s benevolence. I am privileged to call Baba my father. When I was recovering in the UK following an accident, like I said in church last Sunday, Baba would come and sit with me by my bed side to encourage me. And I remain eternally indebted to Baba for the open and staunch support for me in the course of my journey to government house. Kabiyesi, once again, I thank you. I alsoi thnk you, Kabiyesi, for your unwavering support for me and my administration. As a token of my appreciation, as soon as I resumed office, I immediately embarked on the reconstruction of the Ijebu Ode-Epe road., which I had promised him, knowing how much that road means to him. It was our first major road project. I also renamed the Tai Solarin College of Education after him. It’s now known as the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Science and Technology.
“On Kabiyesi’s prompting, I sent a bill to the Ogun State House of Assembly to review the Obas and traditional council Laws of Ogun State, which amongst others now allows our Kabiyesis to be buried as they wish. This bill was Kabiyesi’s initiative and desire for many years. This bill was signed into Law and we signed it at Awujale’s palace. I have made a commitment that our Permanent Secretaries in Ogun State will be the first set of students that will come here to benefit from Kabiyesi’s School of Governance. I have also further made a case to Mr. President for this institute to become an affiliate of the Institute of Public Service.”
In his closing remarks, Governor Abiodun paid even more glowing tributes to the hugely respected monarch. Hear him:
“Baba’s memory, we all know, is elephantine. Many of us spend time drinking from his wealth of widom as he recounts his journey of life with exact day and dates. Baba is a doting husband to his Oloris, a loving father to his children, grand children and Baba’s life is a tapestry of impact in all spheres of human endeavour. Baba is a champion. He’s a leader. He’s a conqueror. His excellent and remarkable service to his people and country is exemplary. We salute this living legend as our great and amiable monarch has continued to reprsent the totality of what the Ijebus stand for. I want to appreciate the planning committee led by Dr. Hassan and all others who have made this event the huge success that it is. I also want to appreciate the council and management of Olabisi Onabanjo University for sustaining the dreams of the founding fathers of this great citadel of learning. Kabiyesi, on behalf of my family, the good people and government of your great state, I wish you many more years of celebrations, and may the Almighty God continue to answer all your prayers, particularly your prayers on all of us. May you continue to fulfil your destiny while seeing your children’s children flourish in good health. Kabiyesi, ade a pe lo ri, bata a pele se, irukere a po laafin, Olori a ma se eto won,” he concluded.
From the way the Awujale constantly beamed with smiles as Prince Dapo Abiodun paid glowing tributes to him, it was obvious to everyone that the affection between the royal father and his son, the governor, was certainly mutual and special. And it is clear to see it will remain so for a very long time to come. Indeed, for Awujale, Prince Dapo Abiodun is his son in whom he is well pleased….
–WALE LAWAL
(08037209290)
