Peter Obi, the 2023 candidate of the Labour Party, reacted to the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of Nigeria (GCON) title on the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, by President Bola Tinubu. Obi congratulated Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona on receiving the second-highest honor in Nigeria. He expressed that Oba Adetona deserved the GCON title for his contributions to peace and progress, not just in Ijebuland but also in Nigeria as a whole. Peter Obi highlighted that Oba Adetona’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering development and creating a better society.
The conferment of the GCON title on Oba Sikiru Adetona was particularly significant as it coincided with his 90th birthday and 64th anniversary as the Awujale. The Nigerian leader, Siriku Kayode Adetona, was felicitated for his role as the Paramount Ruler and his commitment to peace and progress in the nation.
Peter Obi emphasized that Oba Adetona’s dedication to driving love for a better nation is evident through his efforts to equip Nigerian leaders with education and training. The establishment of a Professorial Chair in Governance at the Department of Political Science at the University of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, was celebrated as a testament to Oba Adetona’s impact on patriotism, nationalism, and guidance.
Despite challenges such as bad weather causing flight disruptions from Enugu to Lagos and Port Harcourt making it impossible for him to physically attend events in Ijebu-Ode, Peter Obi conveyed his respects to Oba Sikiru Adetona.
In contrast to Peter Obi’s congratulatory message, there were criticisms from other political parties. The Peoples Democratic Party accused the Federal Capital Territory administration of failing democracy. Abdusamad Dasuki condemned the abduction of students at Confluence University of Science and expressed displeasure over Nigerian students’ treatment.
Additionally, there were disagreements over cybersecurity measures imposed by the Federal Government. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu criticized Labour Party’s Bayo Onanuga for slamming Peter Obi over deportation issues involving Osun indigenes in Lagos State.
Amidst these political tensions and differing opinions, Peter Obi’s reaction to Tinubu conferring the GCON title on Awujale of Ijebuland highlighted a moment where recognition intersected with political discourse in Nigeria.
