The Coordinator of the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, Dr. Fassy Yusuff, has clarified that the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was absent from this year’s celebration because he is currently recuperating at home following his discharge from a Lagos hospital last Thursday.
Speaking on the monarch’s notable absence from the annual cultural event, held on Sunday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Yusuff assured the public that there was no cause for concern regarding the 91-year-old royal’s health.
Thousands of guests and tourists gathered at the Awujale Pavilion for the iconic festival were taken aback by the absence of Oba Adetona, a revered figure who has traditionally presided over the event for decades, receiving tributes from indigenes and visitors alike.
In his stead, the monarch’s wife, Olori Kemi Adetona, represented him at the event.
Addressing potential speculation, Yusuff, a former Commissioner for Information, stressed in a text message to our correspondent that the Awujale’s absence was due to his ongoing recovery.
“Awujale was hospitalised in Lagos two weeks ago, but was discharged on Thursday. He is now recuperating at home. A normal situation. Nothing to worry about,” he said.
