How Awujale Convinced Buhari, Tinubu To Form APC- Pst Bakare

Popular Nigerian pastor Tunde Bakare has revealed the role played by the demised Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona in the formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC ahead the 2015 election.

The APC, a coalition of four legacy political parties, the magazine recalls had surprisingly won the 2015 presidential election, after its candidate Muhammadu Buhari defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

Oba Adetona and Buhari died on Sunday and have since been buried.

According to Pastor Bakare, it was the traditional ruler who brokered the deal that brokered the deal that brought  the then Action Congress, AC led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CPC led by Buhari, together to form the APC.

Bakare made this known in his tribute to the late monarch titled, “Tribute to a Patriot, Mentor and Elder Statesman — The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land.” a copy of which was made available to journalists.

He explained that he met Oba Adetona in London where he appealed to him to initiate a talk between Buhari and Tinubu to form a coalition ahead the election.

“Upon his (Awujale’s) return to Nigeria, Kabiyesi convened a key meeting at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island and brokered the agreement that led to the formation of the APC,” Bakare stated.

Bakare explained that in spite of his role in the formation of the APC, the late monarch remained non-partisan through out his reign as the foremost traditional ruler in the state, expressing sorrow at his passing to join  his ancestors.

He further described Oba Adetona and as both a nation builder and a peacemaker, because he facilitated “any course he thought would facilitate good governance.”

Bakare said, “It is with profound gratitude to God for a life well lived and yet with deep sadness at the loss of a father figure that I pay tribute to Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

“May the noble soul of Kabiyesi rest in perfect peace. May God strengthen and comfort Olori Adetona, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the extended royal family he leaves behind.”

The magazine reports that Oba Adetona was very close to President Tinubu who had few weeks to his death conferred one of the highest national honours, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON on him.