President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s political history would have been incomplete if he hadn’t won the 2023 presidential election.
The President made this heartfelt statement on Sunday, July 20, during the 8th-day Fidau prayers held in memory of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91.
The late monarch was a towering figure in Nigerian traditional leadership, having reigned since April 2, 1960. His passing, which occurred just hours after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, marked the end of an era. Interestingly, both men had shared a close bond that spanned decades, dating back to the 1980s.
Reflecting on his journey to the presidency, Tinubu shared how the late Awujale had played a crucial role in his political ambition by encouraging him to run for president and offering his blessings.
“Our nation’s story would have lacked depth and meaning if I had failed in the last election,” President Tinubu said during his tribute. “I succeeded, in part, because of the unwavering support and prayers of the late Awujale.”
Tinubu’s remarks not only highlighted the deep respect he held for the Awujale but also shed light on the traditional ruler’s quiet influence on Nigeria’s modern political landscape.
