By Olugbolahan Kuku
The Sultan of Sokoto and Joint-Chairman National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar visited the Royal Household of the late Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State on Saturday September 27, 2025.
From the seat of the caliphate to Ijebu land appears nearly a straight line if you navigate as-the-crow-flies! This geographical phenomenon is not a coincidence… It is symbolic of a great relationship between a great kingdom in the South-West of Nigeria and the seat of the great Sokoto Caliphate in the North-West of Nigeria! The Sultan, a great friend of the late Awujale and partners in progress for a great Nigeria arrived the South-West on Thursday September 25 for the coronation of former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan land on Friday September 26, 2025. He was not in a hurry to return to his domain because he had to visit Ijebu-Ode to commiserate with the Adetona family and Regency Council of Ijebu land.
He was accompanied by the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and some other top Muslim leaders.
The Sultan’s entourage was received by the Head of the Awujale Regency Council and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land; The Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, Prince Saud Adedire Adetona, members of the Awujale Regency Council, members of the Adetona family and other Ijebu dignitaries.
Upon his arrival, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and his entourage proceeded straight to the tomb of the late monarch who joined his Royal Ancestors on Sunday July 13, 2025 at the age of 91, and offered prayers for the repose of his soul in Al-Jannah Firdaos. He was later treated to a reception attended by the eminent Ijebu leaders present at the occasion. Also on ground were the widows of the late Awujale; Olori Agba Iyabode Adetona, Olori Modupe Adetona while Olori Obakemi Adetona was represented. Among the children also at the event along with Prince Saud Adedire Adetona were Prince Ademola Adetona, Prince Adeniyi, Princess Adetoun Adetona and other family members.
The Regent, Olor’ogun Sonny Kuku, who delivered the welcome address, expressed profound appreciation of the eminent visitor’s decision to make the visit in spite of his tight schedule.
In his response, the Sultan urged continuous prayers for the late Awujale saying that this is what Muslims dutifully do for their leaders who have departed but spent themselves for the good of our world. He gave a word of advice for peace to continue to reign in Ijebu land during and after the process of selecting the new Awujale.
