President Bola Tinubu on Friday, conferred the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
The president made the announcement during the commissioning of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, and the presentation of a book, titled, “Reinventing Governance in Nigeria: The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Model”.
The events were organized to commemorate the 90th birthday of Oba Adetona and his 64th coronation anniversary.
Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, described the monarch as a champion of democracy, who showed strength in the face of injustice and oppression during the struggle to restore democratic rule between 1993 and 1999.
Tinubu said, “In the time of adversity, Oba Adetona showed strength and kingly character. He stood his ground and confronted injustice and oppression during our just struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in the land between 1993 and 1999.
“If democracy is blossoming in our country today, it is because patriarchs like Oba Adetona stood firmly on the side of the people.
“Because Oba Adetona has honoured our country and humanity with his many years of meritorious service, I therefore, on this special occasion of his 90th birthday ceremony, confer on him the second highest National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).
“To ensure that the knowledge production and intellectual output of the Post-Graduate school benefit the entire country, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos will be asked to take over the running and management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies. This will be a fitting compliment to Kabiyesi’s educational legacy,” the President added.