Abubakar, who arrived in the south-west on Thursday for the
coronation of Rashidi Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, visited the
Adetona family on Saturday.

He was accompanied by Rasaki Oladejo, president of the
Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), and other Muslim leaders.

On arrival, Abubakar was received by Saud Adedire Adetona,
heir of the royal family. The monarch also proceeded to the tomb of the late Awujale
who died on July 13 at the age of 91.

The sultan was later hosted to a modest but elaborate
reception attended by Ijebu leaders, including Sonny Folorunso Kuku, regent of
Ijebuland; Kunle Hassan, olori omo oba of Ijebuland; and several others.

In a welcome address, Kuku recalled his connection with the
sultan as alumni of King’s College, Lagos, and Barewa College, Zaria.

“It is with great honour and reverence that I, as chairman
of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, extend a warm welcome to you
to Ijebuland,” he said in a statement.

“Your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds
of brotherhood and solidarity that exist between our communities.

“We are deeply touched by your decision to pay a condolence
visit to the royal family of our late Awujale and the people of Ijebuland. Your
eminence’s gesture demonstrates your commitment to fostering unity and peace
among Nigerians, transcending religious and cultural divides.

“We pray that Allah grants you safe travels and accepts your
condolences. We also appreciate your continued prayers for the repose of the
soul of our departed monarch.

“Please, accept our heartfelt gratitude for your visit. We
look forward to your valuable insights and blessings during your stay with us.”

In his remarks, Abubakar described the late awujale as a
“brother and friend” and urged continuous prayers for him.

“Let’s continue to pray for him anytime we find
opportunity,” he said.

“When we do offer our daily prayers as Muslims, our five
daily prayers, prayers on Jumuah, because that’s what we normally do for our
leaders. Because they have left their part in the world. They have gone and
it’s left for us to continue to be on what they have left behind for us. And
truly, the void aspect on what they have left for us.

“We thank Almighty Allah for his blessing and for bringing
us together this afternoon as members of one big family. And I said one big
family because I also belong to Awujale family.

“I must first recognise the mothers of this family, the Oloris
present and then the other family members. On my right hand side, my own very
good friend (Kuku), despite the King’s College, somebody I’ve known for so many
years, even before I became Sultan because of the famous ever hospital.

“Other distinguished members of the Awujale and other
brothers and sisters here, I greet you in the best form of greeting.”

The sultan also called for peace before, during, and after
the process of selecting a new awujale.

“Let’s try to be the best we can be. Let’s do what we
believe will bring peace to our community, to our countries, and of course, to
our personal lives as families,” he said.

“We believe the family is a very important unit. And every
development starts from a family and alhamdulillahi, this family has been a
good family so far and I urge them to continue to reach out to one another,
reach out to all of us, so that we have peace.”