Adesina Mourns Buhari, Awujale of Ijebuland

President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has mourned the passing of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing their deaths as a double national tragedy. In a statement issued on Saturday, Adesina said the nation had lost two great leaders who exemplified service, humility, and commitment to Nigeria’s progress. Buhari died at the age of 82 in London, while Oba Adetona passed on at the age of 91 after ruling for 65 years. Adesina recalled the personal and professional support he received from the late President Buhari, describing him as a loving patriot and a man of integrity. He praised Buhari’s belief in competence and his dedication to the service of the nation, noting that his leadership style was marked by humility and discipline. “He believed in me. He supported me. He encouraged me. I will never forget his fatherly support,” Adesina wrote on his official X account. On the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Adesina described the monarch as one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers, who promoted peace, development, and unity throughout his reign. He noted that Oba Adetona’s decades-long leadership brought dignity and progress to the Ijebu people and left an indelible mark on the history of Nigeria’s traditional institutions. According to him, the Awujale was more than a king — he was a unifier, a leader with wisdom, and a symbol of cultural strength. Adesina extended his condolences to the Buhari family, the royal household of Ijebuland, and the people of Ogun State, praying for strength and comfort for the families and communities affected by the loss. The deaths of Buhari and Oba Adetona on the same day have continued to draw tributes from across the country and the international community. Both men are being remembered for their long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s political and cultural heritage.