My first encounter with Awujale, by Bode George

I was in Form 1 at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode in 1960 when the 26-year-old Prince returned to Nigeria to be crowned as the Awujale of Ijebuland.
With my classmates, we lined up along the road leading to Itoro Hall where the coronation took place.
From that day in 1960 to July 13, 2025 when he joined his ancestors, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, displayed humility, flamboyance, panache, royalty, dignity, class, honour, colour, energetic style and boldness in his interaction with his subjects, governments and people in the Diaspora.
When I was appointed military governor of old Ondo State by General Ibrahim Babangida and I met Kabiyesi, I narrated how, as small school boys, we lined up the road to Itoro Hall for his coronation. He burst out laughing. Till he died, Oba Adetona was a father figure to me.
I want to thank God for preserving his life to live to be a nonagenarian.
Oba Adetona was a formidable leader and monarch who protected the name of the Ijebu, home and abroad, and projected their image.
The annual Ojude-Oba event became a reference point for others, thanks to the creativity, dynamism and connections of Oba Adetona. I remember when he had an issue with the late Governor Olabisi Onabanjo, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had to intervene and he was grateful.
We really have to thank God that Oba Adetona reigned for six and a half decades.
I know his legacies will continue to remain indelible.
His death is a huge loss. I pray that God will grant him eternal repose and comfort his family and Ijebu people worldwide.
*Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George
Atona Oodua of Yorubaland