The Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has paid tribute to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, recalling his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress.

Adetona passed away on Sunday, 13 July 2025, a date which Bakare said holds deep personal and national significance.

In a tribute titled, “Tribute to a Patriot, Mentor and Elder Statesman — The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land,” the cleric revealed that Oba Adetona played a vital role in the formation of the APC.

He said, “What many Nigerians may not know is that without Awujale’s pivotal intervention, the APC might not have emerged as a political party.”

Recounting what happened after the 2011 general election, Bakare mentioned meeting the monarch in London and encouraged him to start discussions between the CPC and the Action Congress of Nigeria, which was led by President Bola Tinubu.

“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 stated.

He added that despite this role, “Kabiyesi was non-partisan, supporting initiatives for good governance, national interest, peace, and a united Nigeria.” Bakare called the deceased monarch “a patriot, mentor, and elder statesman,” marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s history. He expressed sorrow at Awujale’s death and gratitude for a “well lived” life.

He said, “It is with profound gratitude to God for a life well lived and yet with deep sadness at the loss of a father figure that I pay tribute to Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

“May the noble soul of Kabiyesi rest in perfect peace. May God strengthen and comfort Olori Adetona, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the extended royal family he leaves behind.”

ASA