The race to succeed the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has formally entered a decisive phase, with no fewer than 95 aspirants—94 princes and one princess—emerging for consideration from the Fusengbuwa ruling house.
The unusually large number of contenders underscores both the prestige of the revered throne and the complexity of traditional succession in one of Yorubaland’s most influential kingdoms.
The aspirants were formally presented during a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, Government Reserved Area, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, in a process that family leaders described as orderly, transparent, and consistent with long-established customs.
The meeting marked a critical step in filling the vacancy created by the death of Oba Adetona in July last year, which ended a historic 65-year reign widely regarded as one of the longest and most impactful in Nigeria’s traditional institution.
Awujale stool succession process enters decisive phase
The nomination exercise, which focused on the Awujale stool succession, was presided over by senior figures of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, including its chairman, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and the vice chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf. Officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, led by the council secretary, Abiodun Oke, attended as observers to ensure procedural compliance.
In line with tradition, each aspirant was represented by two family members—one to formally propose the nomination and another to second it—after which the nomination was recorded and accepted.
Family sources confirmed that all 95 nominations were duly registered without dispute, a development observers described as remarkable given the scale of participation.
Among the aspirants are notable personalities drawn from professional, business, and public service backgrounds.
They include Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of a former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; Dr Kunle Hassan, a respected ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo, chairman of Aron Construction.
The sole female aspirant, Oluwakemi Onanuga, is a legal practitioner, making her the only princess in the contest for the Awujale stool.
Peaceful nomination hailed as major milestone
Speaking after the meeting, Otunba Owoyemi commended members of the ruling house for maintaining peace and unity throughout the nomination process, stressing that internal harmony was critical to preserving the dignity of the Awujale institution.
He described the successful exercise as a major hurdle cleared in the Awujale stool succession, noting that the family had deliberately worked to prevent rancour, litigation, or violence.
According to him, all aspirants had earlier signed a written undertaking agreeing to accept the outcome of the selection process and forgo legal action, regardless of the final decision.
“We have successfully and harmoniously nominated 95 candidates,” Owoyemi said.
“It is now the responsibility of the kingmakers to do their work conscientiously and select the person destined to occupy the Awujale stool. We believe the process will be guided by tradition, conscience, and divine direction.”
Owoyemi, a former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, added that consultations had also been conducted through the Ifa oracle, in keeping with tradition, to guide the family on the qualities expected of the next Awujale.
He expressed confidence that the eventual occupant of the throne would build on Oba Adetona’s legacy and further elevate Ijebuland.
Shadow of controversy and legal disputes
Despite the orderly nomination, the Awujale stool succession has not been without controversy.
The process previously attracted public attention following claims by Fuji music legend Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1) that he was entitled to contest the throne.
The Fusengbuwa ruling house, however, dismissed his claim, stating unequivocally that the musician is not a recognised member of the family and therefore ineligible.
Ayinde had approached the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode, seeking an interim injunction to halt the selection process and restrain Governor Dapo Abiodun and other officials from proceeding.
The court declined the request, ruling that the application lacked merit.
The suit was subsequently withdrawn by the claimant without a detailed explanation.
In a later twist, Ayinde’s lawyer, Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN), wrote to the state government alleging irregularities in the process, including claims that certain directives issued by family leaders were inconsistent with the Chieftaincy Declaration and relevant laws.
He argued that these steps could disenfranchise some aspirants.
However, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, vice chairman of the ruling house, dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing the letter as “misguided” and of no consequence to the ongoing Awujale stool succession.
With nominations concluded, attention now shifts to the Ijebu kingmakers, who are constitutionally empowered to screen and select one candidate for approval by the Ogun State Government.
Traditional sources suggest that the process could be concluded within weeks, although the final timeline will depend on consultations, screenings, and statutory approvals.
The Awujale stool remains one of the most influential traditional thrones in southwestern Nigeria, with the occupant serving not only as the paramount ruler of Ijebuland but also as a key cultural, economic, and political voice.
Oba Adetona’s long reign was marked by modernization, advocacy for education, and strong engagement with state and national leadership, setting a high bar for his successor.
As Ijebu land awaits the emergence of a new Awujale, expectations remain high that the process will uphold tradition, fairness, and unity—qualities many residents say are essential for sustaining the legacy of one of Yorubaland’s most revered monarchies.
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