•Awujale of Ijebu and Muhammadu Buhari.

Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has died at the age of 91.

The monarch died on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of Muhammadu Buhari, his longtime friend and former president.

Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history.

His friendship with Buhari dated back to the 1980s and was cemented under extraordinary circumstances.

In 1983, just before Buhari’s military coup, Olabisi Onabanjo, then Ogun state governor, had already signed a formal order deposing Adetona.

The removal was scheduled to take effect on January 2, 1984.

But the coup of December 31, 1983 — which toppled Nigeria’s civilian government — halted the plan.

Buhari’s intervention inadvertently preserved the Awujale’s reign.

Nigeria’s former Presidents Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and Olusegun Obasanjo, have expressed sadness on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a separate condolences, the two former leaders described Buhari as a courageous leader who served the nation with character and sense of patriotism.

The former President who stated this in a condolence message released on Sunday, noted that the Buhari was deeply admired across the strata of society because of his honesty and discipline.

In the condolence message signed by Ikechukwu Eze, S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, epitomised Buhari as “a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.“

He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.

The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.“

In his passing Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder.

His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos.“

On behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the good people of Katsina State and all Nigerians who mourn this great loss.

May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”

Similarly, Obasanjo today, described as a great loss the demise of the former president Muhammadu Buhari.

He described Buhari as a patriot, a statesman who has tried his best , contributed immensely to the socioeconomic and political development of the country.

While asking God to repose his soul,he said that the former president would be greatly missed by families and friends

The Government and the good people of Kogi State have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

The statement reads: “This is a monumental loss not only to Nigeria, but to the African continent, and indeed the world.

President Buhari was a leader of quiet strength, deep convictions, and a patriotic heart wholly committed to the unity, progress, and stability of Nigeria.

Speaking on the passing of the former President, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, described the news as “a moment of national grief and a reminder of the enduring legacy of discipline, integrity and sacrifice that President Buhari stood for.”

According to the Governor, “President Buhari was a man who came at different times in our national history to steer the ship of state with a deep sense of responsibility.

He was not a man of many words, but one whose actions consistently reflected his belief in a better, safer, and more self-reliant Nigeria.”

Kogi State will remember him for his commitment to critical infrastructure, national security, and his consistent stand against corruption.

His efforts laid a solid foundation upon which successive administrations, including ours in Kogi, continue to build.

We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Katsina State, the family of the late statesman, and indeed all Nigerians, as we mourn a patriot who gave his all in service to the nation.

May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.