NIPSS Mourns Oba Adetona, Says He Contributed Tremendously To Nigeria’s Emancipation, Good Governance

By; AMOS EBUTE MATHEW, Kaduna

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru Plateau State, has expressed sadness over the passing of Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Ogbagba II.

The institute said the Oba is a father and charismatic traditional ruler, saying his contributions to the development of good governance in Nigeria echoes around the world, paramount traditional has contributed immensely to the emancipation of Nigeria into a democratic country.

This was contained in a condolence message by NIPSS Director General, Prof Ayo Omotayo.

“Kabiyesi Awujale’s unwavering, unparalleled and enviable contributions to the development of good governance in Nigeria echoes around the world.

“A manifestation of this uncommon commitment led to the endowment of the Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair on Good Governance and the eventual establishment of a first of its kind in Nigeria, School of Governance Studies, at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

“The resilience and quest of the late Awujale for good governance in Nigeria and beyond led to the handing over of the School to the Federal Government of Nigeria during his 90th Birthday on May 10, 2024.

“However, the Federal Government, in ensuring that the Awujale legacy lives on, handed over the School to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. Now known as the NIPSS Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies (NIPSS-OSKASOGS)

“The school, in fulfilment of Awujale’s dreams, has started filling the capacity gap in governance for the private and public sectors in Nigeria. The Awujale was a true leader who was committed to nurturing ethical leadership, fostering good governance, and empowering future generations with values necessary for national development,” the condolence message partly read.

He said that sustaining the legacy of this great iconic, visionary Ruler of Ijebuland will be by making the school one of the best in governance studies around the world.

This, Prof. Omotayo said, is the least they can do to uphold the unwavering and tenacious commitment of this great icon to good governance in Nigeria.

“We will forever be grateful for his wisdom, guidance, and the unwavering support. His presence was a source of inspiration and his legacy will continue to live on through the work we do, in every staff and participant that walks through our doors, and in every leader who carries forward the principles he held so dear,” he added.