95 Princes and Princesses Vie For Awujale Stool

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode on Monday, January 12, 2026, commenced the nomination process to select the next Awujale of Ijebuland, following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.

The nomination exercise, held at the Bisirodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, drew members of the ruling house, delegates, observers, and residents eager to participate in the selection process.

Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, disclosed that a total of 95 princes and princesses had expressed interest in the Awujale stool. He said the names of candidates who pass the initial screening would be forwarded to the kingmakers, known as the Afobajes, who will select one candidate to be presented to the Ogun State Government for confirmation.

The nomination exercise experienced some controversy when a group believed to be from the Orubodo Ruling House was denied participation for failing to produce valid entry passes. Their leader, Prince Adeyemi Ridwan, an Oduneye of the Orubodo Ruling House, protested the decision, alleging that his group had been excluded from the selection process.

Fuji music star and Olori Omooba of Ijebu Land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), who is from the Fidipote Ruling House, had previously raised concerns about being sidelined in the process. Through his lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), KWAM 1 wrote to Governor Dapo Abiodun expressing that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was taking actions contrary to the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

In his letter dated January 8, 2026, KWAM 1 stated: “It is a matter of deep concern to our client that all these directives, which contravene the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law, and the letter from the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, were included in the family’s letter dated January 6, 2026. It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool.”

He further emphasized: “All members of the ruling house are entitled to attend the meeting to nominate candidates of their choice. A group of people in the ruling house cannot usurp these rights. The directive providing for screening and nomination by delegates is inconsistent with both the spirit and letter of the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021. In the interest of justice and compliance with due process, we urge timely intervention to address these concerns, ensuring the integrity of the process and protecting our client’s rights.”

The nomination exercise resumed after an earlier suspension, with members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House preparing to forward their selected candidates to the Afobajes, who will make the final recommendation for the next Awujale.