News
Speaker Obasa Mourns Awujale as Yoruba Nation Bids Farewell
Speaker Obasa mourns Awujale, calling him a unifying leader and cultural icon in a moving statement following the monarch’s passing at age 91
Speaker Obasa mourns Awujale, HRM Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the respected monarch of Ijebuland, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 91.
Also read: Obasa Mourns Buhari Passing, Calls for National Celebration of Legacy
Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s demise, calling it a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.
The death of Oba Adetona, a close contemporary of former President Muhammadu Buhari, came just hours after the former president’s own passing, adding to a moment of immense national grief.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, the Lagos Speaker described the late monarch as “a revered monarch, a custodian of our rich cultural heritage, and a symbol of unity and strength in our community.”
Speaker Obasa mourns Awujale not just as a traditional ruler, but as a pivotal figure whose influence extended beyond the borders of Ijebu-Ode.
According to Obasa, the monarch’s leadership was marked by dedication to peace, development, and cultural pride.
“Throughout his reign, he exemplified dedication to the welfare of his people, fostering development and peace. His wisdom and leadership left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Yorubas the world over, not just Ijebu people, will miss his leadership,” Obasa said.
Oba Adetona reigned for over six decades and became an enduring voice for cultural preservation and communal stability.
Yorubas the world over, not just Ijebu people, will miss his leadership.
He was widely regarded as a monarch who balanced tradition with modern influence, often using his platform to address national issues and support social harmony.
Obasa reflected on the monarch’s longstanding contributions to conflict resolution and unity among ethnic groups in the South West.
His legacy, the Speaker said, would serve as a guiding light for both present and future leaders. “His legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Obasa remarked.
Speaker Obasa mourns Awujale with the full support of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which he leads.
On behalf of the House, he extended condolences to the Adetona royal family, the Ijebu traditional council, and the people of Ijebuland.
“We join you in mourning the loss of a remarkable leader. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
The passing of Oba Adetona has triggered widespread reactions across political, traditional, and civil circles.
From governors and lawmakers to cultural organisations and scholars, tributes have poured in for a man widely seen as one of the most intellectually and culturally influential monarchs of his era.
His death marks the end of an era in Yoruba traditional leadership.
Known for his outspokenness and visionary thinking, Oba Adetona was also a respected figure within national affairs, often consulted for guidance on key sociopolitical matters.
As the nation mourns the double loss of Buhari and Adetona, the reflections from leaders like Obasa underscore the importance of preserving the values they championed.
Also read: Senator Daniel Mourns Buhari with Stirring Message on National Loss
Their contributions to unity, governance, and community upliftment have left lasting impressions.
News
Panic-stricken Enugu APC begins flag-off of already flagged of roads in Nsukka after PDP’s Chijioke Ugwu’s homecoming
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)