Otunba Segun Showunmi, convener of the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), a platform aimed at fostering grassroots consensus for the selection of future leaders has expressed sadness over the death of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most revered and outstanding traditional rulers.
In a statement personally signed by Showunmi Sunday night, he said the monarch’s passing marked a huge loss to Yorubaland and the country, especially as it coincided with the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Below is Showunmi’s full statement:
Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna GCON, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II. Awujale joins his ancestors!
Ajankoro dugbe dugbe! Ogbagba, Agbaotewole, Omo anikinlaya saogun, jigbini bi ata ileke, Sikiru Adetona the greatest of great Awujales.
Oh death where is thy sting?
You lived for Ijebuland, you lived for the sons and daughters of the Ijebu kingdom.
You demonstrated with your dedication to the affairs of your people.
You carried yourself with the candour and dignity befitting of a refined Yoruba traditional ruler, you made us all proud, you lived well, you contributed significantly to the development of your kingdom our state, Nigeria indeed mankind with your love of scholarly organisation both secular and Islamic.
Imagine the world-acclaimed festival known as the Ojude Oba Ijebu ceremony, a durbar with Oriental Arabic Origin for horses where introduced as a result of early interaction with Muslim traders from Mali way before the Dan fodion era as the Ijebus have a long history of trans African trade accross the coast.
We embraced it and made it our own with our unique Owambe flavour that you elevated to a global event.
Ijebuland especially her sons and daughters has to thank them for always looking out for their interests.
Oh, the big iroko has fallen Ajankoro dugbe dugbe.
Your duty is done on this royal throne, in this sphere now you join the ancestors, your ancestors our forebears. I reckon they will be proud of you for leaving the throne better than you found it.
Your shoes are very big only the gods can help fill this mighty shoe you left behind.
Baba Adetoun sun re. May Almighty Allah accept your soul and forgive your sins.
Omo Arojo joye, Omo Alagemo ogun woyowoyo,
Omo aladiye ogogomoga, Omo adiye balokun Omilili, ara orokun, ara o radiye,
Omo ohun seni oyoyonyo, oyoyo mayomo ohun seni olepani, Omo dudu ile komobe se njosi,
pupa tomo be se okuku sinle, Omo moreye mamaroko, morokotan eye matilo,
Omo moni isunle mamalobe,
obe tin benile komoile baba tobiwan lomo,
Omo onigbo ma’de,
Omo onigbo mawo mawo,
My condolences to the Fidipote Royal Family of Ijebu Ode.
Otunba Segun Showunmi
The Alternative.
