Sultan of Sokoto pays condolence visit to late awujale’s family in Ijebu-Ode

Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, has visited the family of Sikiru Adetona, the late Awujale of Ijebuland, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

Abubakar, who arrived in the south-west on Thursday for the coronation of Rashidi Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, visited the Adetona family on Saturday.

He was accompanied by Rasaki Oladejo, president of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), and other Muslim leaders.

On arrival, Abubakar was received by Saud Adedire Adetona, heir of the royal family. The monarch also proceeded to the tomb of the late Awujale who died on July 13 at the age of 91.

The sultan was later hosted to a modest but elaborate reception attended by Ijebu leaders, including Sonny Folorunso Kuku, regent of Ijebuland; Kunle Hassan, olori omo oba of Ijebuland; and several others.

In a welcome address, Kuku recalled his connection with the sultan as alumni of King’s College, Lagos, and Barewa College, Zaria.

“It is with great honour and reverence that I, as chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, extend a warm welcome to you to Ijebuland,” he said in a statement.

“Your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that exist between our communities.

“We are deeply touched by your decision to pay a condolence visit to the royal family of our late Awujale and the people of Ijebuland. Your eminence’s gesture demonstrates your commitment to fostering unity and peace among Nigerians, transcending religious and cultural divides.

“We pray that Allah grants you safe travels and accepts your condolences. We also appreciate your continued prayers for the repose of the soul of our departed monarch.

“Please, accept our heartfelt gratitude for your visit. We look forward to your valuable insights and blessings during your stay with us.”

In his remarks, Abubakar described the late awujale as a “brother and friend” and urged continuous prayers for him.

“Let’s continue to pray for him anytime we find opportunity,” he said.

“When we do offer our daily prayers as Muslims, our five daily prayers, prayers on Jumuah, because that’s what we normally do for our leaders. Because they have left their part in the world. They have gone and it’s left for us to continue to be on what they have left behind for us. And truly, the void aspect on what they have left for us.

“We thank Almighty Allah for his blessing and for bringing us together this afternoon as members of one big family. And I said one big family because I also belong to Awujale family.

“I must first recognise the mothers of this family, the Oloris present and then the other family members. On my right hand side, my own very good friend (Kuku), despite the King’s College, somebody I’ve known for so many years, even before I became Sultan because of the famous ever hospital.

“Other distinguished members of the Awujale and other brothers and sisters here, I greet you in the best form of greeting.”

The sultan also called for peace before, during, and after the process of selecting a new awujale.

“Let’s try to be the best we can be. Let’s do what we believe will bring peace to our community, to our countries, and of course, to our personal lives as families,” he said.

“We believe the family is a very important unit. And every development starts from a family and alhamdulillahi, this family has been a good family so far and I urge them to continue to reach out to one another, reach out to all of us, so that we have peace.”