If royalty had a screenplay, this one would open with regal drums, flowing agbadas, and a monarch whose wisdom echoed louder than any palace gong. As Ijebuland prepares for the sequel — the selection of its next Awujale and Paramount Ruler — the spotlight swings back to the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the legendary ruler whose words still roll like a powerful dialogue from a classic epic.
In a scene straight out of a grand cultural spectacle — the 2019 Ojude-Oba Festival — Oba Adetona, who ruled the ancient Ijebu kingdom for over six decades, delivered a message that could well be the tagline of his reign: “Do not crown wealth; crown wisdom.”
Dressed in royal splendor and surrounded by a sea of color, the Awujale warned his kingmakers not to be swayed by moneybags or political heavyweights in choosing his successor. For him, the throne of Ijebuland was never meant for the highest bidder, but for the most capable leader — one with heart, vision, and a true sense of purpose.
“The Awujale’s throne,” he declared, “is not for politicians, not for the rich, not for the flashy. It is for the one who can serve.” Those words, powerful and prophetic, now resonate with renewed emotion as the kingdom stands on the edge of a new chapter.
Installed in 1960, Oba Adetona reigned for more than 65 years — an era of transformation, diplomacy, and cultural pride. He modernized traditional governance without losing the essence of Ijebu identity. His leadership, like a long-running blockbuster, had it all — grace, grit, and a legacy of wisdom.
Now, as the search begins for the next custodian of Ijebuland’s throne, his timeless advice feels like a royal script for those who will decide the future. “Seek divine direction,” he urged the kingmakers, reminding them that Ijebu’s heritage is too sacred to be auctioned to the wealthy or the politically ambitious.
The Ojude-Oba Festival, always a grand fusion of fashion, faith, and festivity, was his favorite stage for truth-telling. Each year, his words would weave through the chants and cheers like a well-written monologue — sharp, soulful, and sincere.
Today, as Ijebuland braces for its next act, many wonder: will the kingmakers follow the late monarch’s direction or be tempted by the glitter of gold?
One thing is certain — Oba Adetona’s message remains as evergreen as any Bollywood epic’s moral: true leadership is not about riches, but about responsibility.
As the curtain rises on a new reign, the kingdom stands at a crossroads — between tradition and temptation, between legacy and luxury. The kingmakers now hold the script. Whether they choose a hero or a hollow crown will determine the next chapter in Ijebuland’s royal saga.
And somewhere, in the echoes of the palace courtyard, the Awujale’s words still linger — a timeless warning, a royal truth.
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