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Senator Daniel Mourns Awujale After 65 Years of Royal Leadership
Senator Daniel mourns Awujale, calling him a symbol of Ijebu pride and integrity in a heartfelt tribute following the monarch’s passing at age 91
Senator Daniel mourns Awujale in a deeply personal and emotional tribute following the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Also read: Senator Daniel Mourns Buhari with Stirring Message on National Loss
The monarch died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 91, marking the end of a 65-year reign and a monumental chapter in Yoruba history.
In a statement shared with the press, Senator Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng, described the loss as both personal and collective.
He called the monarch a moral compass, cultural icon, and father figure whose legacy would remain etched in the hearts of Ijebu people and beyond.
“I received the news of the passing of our highly revered monarch with great sadness and a profound sense of loss,” Daniel stated.
“Kabiyesi was not just our traditional ruler in Ijebu land, but a father figure to many of us. His life exemplified the core values of integrity, courage and wisdom.”
Senator Daniel mourns Awujale not only as a political leader and respected senator but as the Otunba Obalofin of Ijebu land—a title given to him by the royal court.
His words reflect a unique closeness to the departed monarch, with whom he shared a long-standing personal bond.
Describing the monarch as “Orisa Ijebu,” a deified figure of prosperity and guidance, Daniel highlighted how Oba Adetona came to symbolise progress and enterprise during his six and a half decades on the throne.
Kabiyesi was the moral compass of integrity, courage and wisdom. His life symbolised the full essence of our culture and traditional values.
He praised the monarch’s ability to unite and elevate the identity of the Ijebu people.
“Kabiyesi became the symbol and identity of progress, resourcefulness and enterprise, earning the sobriquet ‘Orisa Ijebu’, an apotheosis of a god with spiritual authority and a dispenser of prosperity,” he noted.
Daniel’s tribute also reflected on the monarch’s long reign, which he said filled a historical and spiritual void.
The senator acknowledged the monarch’s impact not only on Ijebu land but also on Yoruba land and Nigeria at large.
Senator Daniel mourns Awujale with heartfelt condolences extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a close friend and alter ego of the monarch, as well as to Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Council of Otunbas, the chiefs, and the entire Ijebu diaspora.
“I am personally comforted that Kabiyesi Adetona has just transitioned into the eternal realm of immortality and spirituality where he will forever superintend over the affairs of Akile Ijebu and its prosperity,” Daniel said.
He concluded his message with prayers for the monarch’s earthly family, wishing them divine guidance and strength during their period of mourning.
As tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria and beyond, the passing of Oba Adetona is being recognised as a major turning point in Yoruba traditional history.
Also read: Speaker Obasa Mourns Awujale as Yoruba Nation Bids Farewell
Known for his wisdom, candour and cultural leadership, the Awujale’s legacy will continue to shape generations to come.
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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.
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