Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, has expressed his condolences following the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, highlighting the traditional ruler’s behind-the-scenes role in the formation of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a written tribute shared with journalists on Monday and titled “Tribute to a Patriot, Mentor and Elder Statesman — The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland,”Bakare described Oba Adetona as a respected father figure and national symbol whose death, which occurred on Saturday, July 13, coincided with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari—a date the cleric said carried personal and national weight.

Bakare noted that after the 2011 general elections, he had met Oba Adetona in London to urge him to facilitate discussions between two major opposition parties at the time—the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). According to Bakare, the monarch played a significant role in advancing those conversations.

“Upon his return to Nigeria, Kabiyesi convened a key meeting at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island and brokered the agreement that led to the formation of the APC,” Bakare said.
He added that despite his involvement, the monarch remained politically neutral, supporting any initiative he believed would enhance governance, national unity, and peace.

Bakare also described the late Awujale as someone with “a strong sense of justice.”
He recalled an incident in the early 1990s during a religious crusade in Ijebu Ode where a local masquerade disrupted the gathering but was reportedly overwhelmed and knocked down. When the incident was reported to the palace, Oba Adetona declined to intervene. Bakare quoted the monarch as saying, “If the organisers did not push the masquerade down, but the power of God did, then these are the kind of people we need in Ijebu Ode.”

The pastor also commented on the monarch’s private religious life, noting that he frequently watched Bakare’s televised sermons and would often call to acknowledge them. “Kabiyesi was open-minded and had a heart for God,” Bakare wrote.

The tribute included personal reflections on the pastor’s long-standing relationship with the royal family. Bakare stated that Oba Adetona’s granddaughter, Adetoun—who shares a birthday with him—had been “adopted as his daughter.” He attended her graduation in London and later her wedding in Lagos.

Bakare recalled multiple visits to the palace over the years, describing the monarch’s wife, Olori Adetona, as a warm host. He said, “I will never forget the delicious moin moin, fresh fish, and rice with which she always welcomed us.”

Describing the late monarch’s commitment to education and culture, Bakare cited his support for Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Ojude Oba cultural festival as notable contributions. He also recalled the monarch’s fondness for exchanging seasonal gifts, including an annual ram for Eid al-Adha and Christmas hampers in return.

In one of their final conversations, Bakare quoted the monarch as saying, “There is nothing Pastor can ask me that I will not give. Even if he asks for my soul, I will ask to spend three more months, and then give it to him.”

The tribute ended with prayers for the royal family and a traditional Yoruba farewell.

Oba Adetona’s death has drawn tributes from political and religious leaders across the country, recognising his influence beyond the boundaries of Ijebuland.