No fewer than 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa ruling house have formally declared interest in ascending the prestigious throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State.
The revered stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona on July 13, 2025. The late monarch, one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers, spent 65 years on the throne and left behind a legacy deeply woven into the history and identity of Ijebuland.
The long list of aspirants emerged on Monday during a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode. The gathering was convened by the Fusengbuwa ruling house and monitored by officials of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, who attended as observers.
The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, alongside his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf. Also present was the Secretary to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Abiodun Oke.
Among the notable contenders are Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; Dr Kunle Hassan, a respected ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction. The lone female aspirant is Princess Oluwakemi Onanuga, a legal practitioner.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Otunba Owoyemi described the process as peaceful and orderly, noting that the task of choosing the next Awujale now rests with the traditional kingmakers.
“We have successfully, peacefully and harmoniously nominated our candidates — 95 of them. It is now left to the kingmakers to carry out their duty conscientiously and select one person as the next Awujale,” he said.
Owoyemi added that the family expects the process to be concluded within a month and disclosed that all aspirants had earlier signed an agreement pledging to accept the final decision of the kingmakers.
As Ijebuland waits, attention now shifts to the kingmakers, whose choice will determine who steps into one of the most respected traditional thrones in Yorubaland.
