The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has promised to construct a new road for Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye in furtherance of his critical interventions in the development of the University. The proposed road will lead from the roundabout at the University Health Centre towards the Oba (Dr.) S. K. Adetona Institute of Governance Studies Complex. The revered monarch made the disclosure on Monday 19th September, 2022 when the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde, formally introduced the newly appointed members of Governing Council alongside the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, to him at his palace in Ijebu-Ode. The access road could be the icing on the cake from the Awujale who has sponsored several multi-million Naira projects in the University, including the endowment of a Professorial Chair, donation of iconic buildings for the Institute of Governance Studies and construction of the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge. Welcoming his visitors, Oba Adetona said he was excited to identify with OOU as an institution that had made remarkable progress in teaching, research and service to the community after its challenging past. He stated that three of his children passed through the University which, he reckoned, should be made a model for other tertiary institutions in the country.
The Awujale, who expressed gratitude to God for the height he had attained in life, said he wanted to bequeath an enduring legacy with the landmark projects he had facilitated at the University.
“I will construct the road leading to the Institute of Governance Studies site,” he stated to the delight of both the Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor as well as the accompanying members of the Governing Council.
“I want us to make the University a model for others to come and see. We will do everything we can to make it a first-class University,” the foremost traditional ruler added. The Awujale said he had dedicated himself to philanthropy and humanitarian causes, stressing that “as you advance in age, the next thing is to look forward to when you’ll meet your God.
“Do no evil; do everything you can to assist people. That’s my goal and I am grateful to God,” Oba Adetona pointed out. Speaking further on his philanthropic initiatives, the Kabiyesi revealed how he had earmarked a sum of N1billlion for the maintenance of the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode which could only be drawn after his demise. Oba Adetona said, “I don’t know who will succeed me; the palace is there, government may not be able to maintain it and I’m not sure that the Local Government Council can maintain it either. So, N1billion has been set aside in trust.”
“That’s one of the ways I can show appreciation to God and the people of Ijebuland. We should always give good examples to our people.”
Earlier in his remarks, Prof. Ashiru had praised the Awujale for his positive contributions to the University which, according to him, enhanced the actualisation of the institution’s vision and mission. The Pro-Chancellor, who bemoaned lack of good governance in the country, specially commended the monarch’s initiative to provide solutions for leadership failure and governance deficit through the establishment of the Institute of Governance Studies in the University. He said, “Governance is our problem in this country. We have abundant resources, there is nothing God has not given us in Africa. I lived in Saudi Arabia for 19 years, they have oil but they don’t have the resources we have in Nigeria. Everything they eat there is imported. God has blessed us with so many things but what we don’t have is governance.”
“Governance is the weakest link in our system and our father recognised that and set up a Centre where people can learn governance. This is really commendable.” Prof. Ashiru added that the Governing Council had resolved to feature prominently and showcase the Oba S. K. Adetona Institute of Governance Studies during the proposed celebration of the 40th anniversary of the University.
“We thank you for all you have done for the University. Thank you for the guidance. Even beyond what you have spent, your direction has been very wonderful. You have also created a very conducive atmosphere for the community to live in safety, joy and prosperity during your reign. Kabiyesi, may you live long,” the Pro-Chancellor said. Also speaking, a member of the Governing Council, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Apampa, pointed out that unborn generations stand to benefit from the various significant interventions of the Awujale. “You are leaving a great legacy,” Apampa submitted. “The unborn generations will benefit from the facilities you are currently providing.”
“The population of the University is now increasing because of the facilities you have put in place. May God bless you with good health and longer life, Kabiyesi,” she said. Other members of the Governing Council, including Chief Joju Fadairo and Chief Adepegba Otemolu as well as the Principal Officers of the University and Senate representatives on the Council were also present at the courtesy visit.
