President Bola Tinubu has conferred the second-highest national honour in the country, Grand Commander of Order of Nigeria (GCON), on the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

This was disclosed on Friday at the 90th birthday ceremony of the traditional ruler held at the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

He also announced that the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, has been directed to take over the management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, which the royal father bequeathed to the university.

The President described Awujale as an extraordinary royal father and hero of Nigeria’s democracy who is adored all over the country for his sincerity of purpose and courage in the face of any adversity threatening national development.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu, in a birthday message to the traditional ruler on Thursday, described him as an epitome of honour and dignity.

Tinubu said he had always enjoyed the trust, friendship and confidence of the Kabiyesi.

“Oba Adetona is not just another traditional ruler in Yorubaland and indeed in Nigeria and Africa, he is a preeminent royal father who has brought rare honour, integrity, dignity, courage and impeccable strength of character to the throne over the last 60 years.

“Within this period, he has seen the low and high points of our country. During the turbulent and dark days of military dictatorship when it was difficult to speak truth to power, Oba Adetona displayed uncommon courage and stood on the side of the people. Against billows and tides, truth became his refuge.

“Kabiyesi can look back, with gratitude to the Almighty God and take pride in the phenomenal progress Ijebuland has witnessed under his peaceful reign. Among monarchs, he continues to command respect and admiration. More important, he has seen his kingdom and people flourish in leaps and bounds during his reign.

“I have always enjoyed the trust, friendship and confidence of Kabiyesi Awujale Ogbagba ll in the course of my political journey, through the struggles of our fight for the return of democratic governance in our country and beyond my tenure as Governor of Lagos State. Throughout these epochs in my political odyssey, Oba Adetona has remained a pillar of strength and support. In matters of fighting for justice, fairness, equity and a more just society where every part of our country can progress and our people live peacefully and in harmony with each other, Kabiyesi has been a dependable ally.

“As my confidant, I have absolute faith and trust in Awujale and I have benefited from his wise counsel over the years,” the message reads in part.