Photo: Sikiru Adetona, late Awujale of Ijebuland
By Festus Ebinone, Lagos
At least 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa ruling house have indicated interest in the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool in Ogun State, following the death of the monarch, palace sources said on Monday.
The stool became vacant after the death of Sikiru Adetona on July 13, 2025. Adetona reigned for 65 years.
The aspirants emerged at a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall in the Government Reserved Area of Ijebu Ode, where members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house formally presented candidates for the throne.
The meeting was presided over by the chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, alongside his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman, Professor Fassy Yusuf. Officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, including its secretary, Abiodun Oke, attended as observers.
Among the contestants are Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of former Ogun State Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga; ophthalmologist Kunle Hassan, founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction. The only female aspirant is Princess Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Owoyemi said the nomination process had been concluded peacefully and that responsibility had now shifted to the kingmakers to select the next Awujale.
“We have successfully nominated 95 candidates. It is now left to the kingmakers to conscientiously select one of them as the next Awujale,” he said, adding that a new monarch could emerge within a month.
Owoyemi also said all contestants had signed an agreement to accept the outcome of the selection process.
