An intense succession process has begun in Ijebuland, Ogun State, following the emergence of 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House vying for the revered stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, one of the most prominent traditional institutions in South-West Nigeria.
The stool became vacant after the death of the highly respected monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Ogbagba II), who passed away on July 13, 2025, marking the end of an extraordinary reign that lasted 65 years, one of the longest in Nigeria’s traditional history.
The unusually large number of aspirants came to light during a nomination meeting convened by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, where eligible members of the royal lineage formally indicated interest in contesting for the throne in line with established customs.
The Awujale stool rotates among the four recognized ruling houses of Ijebuland, Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote with the Fusengbuwa house currently constitutionally positioned to produce the next monarch following the demise of Oba Adetona.
Those who have indicated interest cut across diverse professional and social backgrounds, including medical professionals, business executives, technocrats, and traditional title holders, reflecting the evolving profile of candidates seeking traditional leadership roles in modern Nigeria.
Also notable is the inclusion of one princess, making the contest historically significant and sparking renewed conversations around gender, tradition, and eligibility within Yoruba monarchial succession systems.
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Following the close of nominations, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is expected to conduct internal screenings to streamline the list before forwarding eligible names to the Ijebu kingmakers, who bear the traditional responsibility of selecting a suitable candidate.
The kingmakers’ choice will subsequently be presented to the Ogun State Government for formal approval, in line with state chieftaincy laws, before the eventual installation of the new Awujale.
Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was widely revered for his principled leadership, courage in public affairs, and unwavering commitment to the cultural identity and unity of Ijebuland, leaving behind a towering legacy that has raised public expectations for his successor.
As deliberations continue, residents of Ijebuland and observers across Yorubaland are closely watching the process, with many calling for transparency, strict adherence to tradition, and wisdom in choosing a monarch capable of sustaining the dignity, influence, and historical stature of the Awujale stool.
