President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to attend the eighth-day memorial prayer for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The event honours the revered monarch, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after a brief illness, with his burial conducted privately on July 14 at his Igbeba residence following Islamic rites. Tinubu’s participation, confirmed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on July 18, underscores the administration’s respect for traditional institutions amid a national mourning period for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on the same day. The president will join Governor Dapo Abiodun, traditional rulers, and thousands of mourners in a ceremony blending Islamic prayers and cultural tributes.
The Awujale, who reigned for 64 years since his coronation in 1960, was a pivotal figure in Yoruba tradition, known for mediating conflicts and fostering development, including the establishment of the Olabisi Onabanjo University. His death, announced amid Buhari’s passing, has deepened national reflection, with over 10,000 attendees expected, including political elites and local dignitaries.
Security has been intensified, with 200 police officers and 50 soldiers deployed to manage the crowd and ensure safety, reflecting the event’s significance. Some political analysts suggest Tinubu’s attendance is a strategic move to solidify southwest support ahead of 2027, though others see it as a genuine homage to a respected leader, with the ceremony poised to be a poignant moment of unity and remembrance.