Succession Race Begins as 17 Princes Jostle for Awujale Throne

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By Ojo Ayodeji

The ancient kingdom of Ijebuland has entered a decisive succession phase following the passing of its revered monarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for an unprecedented 64 years.

Oba Adetona, widely celebrated as one of the most influential Yoruba kings in history, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. He was laid to rest the following day after the observance of traditional rites.

His death, which occurred just hours after that of his longtime friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari, has left Ijebuland preparing for a historic transition of leadership.

Royal Succession and Ruling Houses

Under the 1957 Chiefs Law of the Western Region and the declaration approved in 1959, four ruling houses are recognized as eligible to produce the Awujale. They are Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote.

With the Anikinaiya Ruling House having produced the late Oba Adetona, the next turn falls on the Fusengbuwa royal family.

Seventeen Princes in the Race

So far, 17 princes from the Fusengbuwa House have declared interest in the coveted stool of the Awujale.

The contenders include:

Prince Adewale Alausa, Prince Ademola Aderibigbe, Prince Taiwo Otun, Hon. Olaseni Otun, Otunba Sakiru Bello, Prince Olawale Yusuf Oriola, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi Akeem, Prince Adekunle Agbasale, Prince Adewale Adekoya Ayodele, Otunba Fatai Arowolo, Prince Adeleye Lateef, Prince Adewale Akeem Adeleke, Prince Adeyemi Oduwole, Prince Onabanjo Oladayo, Prince Odunowo Adebowale Emmanuel, Prince Adegbenro Bello, and Prince Adewale Ayoola Olasupo Bello.

Kingmakers to Decide

The process of selecting the next Awujale will follow traditional consultations by the Ijebu kingmakers in accordance with customs and the Chiefs Law.

Their recommendation will then be forwarded to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whose approval is required before the new Awujale can be officially crowned.

End of an Era, Dawn of Another

The transition marks the end of Oba Adetona’s illustrious reign, which began in 1960. His six-decade rule is remembered for modernizing Ijebuland, championing Yoruba cultural pride, and maintaining strong influence in Nigerian politics and society.

The upcoming succession is being closely watched, not only in Ogun State but across the Yoruba nation, as the throne of the Awujale remains one of the most respected and powerful traditional seats in Nigeria.