Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the deaths of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as a devastating double blow to Nigeria, calling July 13 a day of deep national grief.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the governor expressed his heartfelt condolences on behalf of his wife, Ibijoke, the government and the people of Lagos State to the families of the two leaders, the governments of Ogun and Katsina States, and all Nigerians mourning the painful losses.
“Today has been a deeply painful one. We’ve lost two giants, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Paying tribute to former President Buhari, the governor described him as “a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader” whose commitment to Nigeria’s growth and unity left a lasting mark on the nation.
“He sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear country,” Sanwo-Olu said. “He served passionately as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His leadership was honest, transparent and worthy of emulation.”
Reflecting on the passing of Oba Adetona, Sanwo-Olu said the Awujale was more than a monarch—he was a pillar and voice of reason who guided Ijebuland with wisdom and grace for 65 years.
“He was respected far beyond the boundaries of Ogun State, and he earned every bit of that respect,” the governor noted. “His legacy is in the lives he shaped, the peace he maintained, and the progress he helped bring to his people.”
He added that Oba Adetona’s presence commanded admiration and that his heart remained committed to the well-being of Ijebuland throughout his reign. “It’s hard to imagine Ijebuland without him,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu extended his sympathies to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government and people of Ogun State, the family of late President Buhari, especially his wife Hajia Aisha Buhari, and the people of Daura in Katsina State.
“My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, political associates, and all Nigerians who feel the weight of these losses. May their noble souls find peace, and may their legacies guide and inspire us always,” he said.
