Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Monday stirred controversy after arriving hours late to the graveside of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, during his final burial rites in Ijebu-Ode.
The Islamic rites for the revered monarch commenced at 12:00 p.m. with top dignitaries and government functionaries in attendance.
However, Governor Abiodun, who was expected to lead the state and federal delegation to the solemn occasion, did not show up until 5:00 p.m., long after the major rites had almost concluded.
His late arrival sparked reactions, especially as social media footage showed him at the gravesite hours after key state officials, including Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, had already taken part in the proceedings.
Sources told PLATFORM TIMES that the governor remained at his Iperu country home while some burial rites were underway, despite the high-profile nature of the event and the historic significance of the monarch.
Among those present at the solemn ceremony were former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, all of whom arrived before the governor.
Oba Adetona, who passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 91, was laid to rest according to Islamic rites. Born on May 10, 1934, and crowned on April 2, 1960, the monarch reigned for over 65 years, making him the longest-serving first-class traditional ruler in Nigeria.
Beyond his royal duties, the late Awujale was a staunch advocate for democracy, famously backing the pro-democracy group, NADECO, during the Abacha era and demanding the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Abiola.
Under his reign, the Ojude Oba Festival grew into a globally celebrated cultural event, attracting Ijebu sons and daughters from across the world. Until his death, the monarch was also a vocal proponent for the creation of Ijebu State, lobbying President Bola Tinubu on the matter in his final months.
Governor Abiodun’s cold relationship with the late monarch had been an open secret in political circles, fueling speculations about the significance of his delayed appearance at the burial.
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