Awujale: I Don’t Fear Death

Abiodun Onafuye/ Abeokuta

One of Nigeria’s leading monarchs, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has once again lambasted those that have been peddling rumours around about his death, saying he is not afraid to die.

The monarch stated this today at his palace during the annual prayer organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ijebuland to usher in the new year and pray for the monarch and the citizens.

He informed his audience that he will be leaving the town for the United Kingdom to see his medical doctor as the date given to him is nearer.

“Let me use this opportunity to inform all of you that I will be traveling to London on Wednesday to see my doctor. I was told to come back by that time and you all can see me now that I’m hale and
hearty, I just have to go so that they can examine how everything is.

“I am saying this now because these people will be moving round again to be saying that he was whisked away in the midnight to London to cut off his leg. As I am now, I don’t fear death, all of us will die one day and when my time is ripe, no one can stop me. So don’t listen to them again, I am going for medical check up and by the special grace of God, I will be back to meet all of you in peace”, Awujale said.

On the proposed merger of Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijagun, with Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye, the the monarch disclosed that he is still awaiting the response of the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun on the matter.

According to Awujale, “I am still expecting feedback from the governor, I have told him our stand here in Ijebu and I can assure you my people that our resolution still stands. The governor had told me that the state has no fund to finance the institution which he said made them to take such decision then. I have told him that we have the financial capacity to fund the school and he said he will think over it and get back to me.

“Up till date, the governor has not told me anything. Anytime I enquired from him, he will tell me to still give him more time. So my people don’t think I have thrown the matter under the carpet, as soon as he gives me his word, I will invite all of you again and tell you exactly what he said”, the monarch promised.

Awujale also used the occasion to warn the people from voting for poverty stricken politicians who will not look back after their election.

” You all have seen those people you elected into office, how many of them have come back to discuss with you. They have gotten what they wanted and you will not see them again.I want to appeal to you to be more vigilant now. Don’t vote for anybody that is hungry, I have told you to look for a credible and well to do people to be voted for not all these hungry stricken people who have seen the political terrain as an opportunity to make money and never think of their
people again”.

The annual new year prayer is a 5-day programme which always kick started at the palace of Awujale and the Olisa of Ijebuland, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adesanya.The train will be moving to the palatial home of the Asiwaju of the Christians of Ijebuland and the Chairman of the FCMB, Otunba
Subomi Balogun tomorrow.

The former Executive Secretary of ECOWAS and the Asiwaju of Ijebuland, Prof. Adebayo Adedeji will play host to the Association on Wednesday while the Chairman, Sony Music and the Bobasuwa of Ijebuland, Otunba Funlola Okunowo will host the prayer warlords on Thursday.

The final day of prayers will be hosted by Brig. Oduwole (retd.) on Friday.

Among the dignitaries at the prayer were the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ijebu, Bishop Ayo Awosoga, Bishop Fashina of the Catholic, Bishop Afuye of the Christ for All Nation, all the monarchs from Ijebuland, Chiefs and sons and daughters of Ijebuland.