By Deji Abdulwahab
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has mourned the paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing his death as a loss to the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah.

The NSCIA said this in a condolence message issued by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede in Abuja on Wednesday.

Oloyede said “it is with a deep sense of loss, but utter submission to the decree of the Almighty Allah that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, mourns the Paramount Ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

“Until his death, Oba Adetona was the Chairman of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), an arm of the Council in the state.

“Oba Adetona’s invaluable contributions to the growth of the Muslim community in Ogun State in particular, and Nigeria in general are unquantifiable.’’

According to him, the death of Adetona is not only a loss to the government, people and the Muslim community of Ogun State, but a loss to the entire Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.

The NSCIA scribe said Adetona’s long reign was not just a chapter in the history of Ijebu, it was a volume of impressive royalty, religious devotion, commitment to peace building and devotion to noble causes.

“He was a great leader who believed the mettle of leadership lies in serving people. The legacy of the legendary Awujale transcends Ijebuland and Ogun State.

“He was a national figure whose wisdom and counsel were sought by leaders across the country, including within the Council. He will be sorely missed by the Muslim Ummah.

“The Council commiserates with the family of our late ruler, the Ìjẹ̀bú people across the world, the government and people of Ogun State, including the Ogun State Muslim Community and Council, as well the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) on this painful loss.

“We pray that Almighty Allah overlook his shortcomings, expand his grave and admit him to Aljannah Firdaus.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Awujale died on July 13, at the age of 91.

Born on May 10, 1934, he served as the Awujale of the Ijebu Kingdom, a traditional state in Nigeria until his demise.

He was installed as king on April 2, 1960, making him one of the longest-reigning traditional ruler in Nigeria, also a member of the House of Anikinaiya.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu