The historic race to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland has reached its final traditional stage, with a new monarch expected to emerge by late January 2026.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House formally concluded its nomination exercise on Monday, January 12, 2026, presenting a list of 85 screened princes and princesses to the Kingmakers (Afobaje). The exercise, held under tight security at Bisi Rodipe Hall in Ijebu Ode, marks a pivotal moment following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away in July 2025 after a 65-year reign.
Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, the Olori Ebi (Family Head) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and former ICAN President, confirmed that the selection process is now in its final stretch. Speaking to journalists after the nomination meeting, Owoyemi stated that the Afobaje would likely finalize their choice within the next two weeks.
“We have successfully, peacefully, and harmoniously nominated our candidates,” Owoyemi said. “Now, it is in the hands of the kingmakers to do their work and select one of them for us. We believe that, by God’s grace, in the next one month, we should have the next Awujale.”
The nomination process was a "restart" mandated by the Ogun State Government. In December 2025, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration ordered the exercise to begin afresh to ensure strict compliance with the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration. The Ijebu Ode Local Government had formally authorized the ruling house to conclude its internal selection within a 14-day window that began on January 6.
Despite the large number of aspirants—which originally saw 95 individuals express interest—the family narrowed the list to 85 who completed the formal screening and nomination requirements. Among the contenders are prominent professionals, including Dr. Kunle Hassan, the founder of Eye Foundation Hospital, and various other high-profile princes.
The process has not been without controversy. Fuji music veteran Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, recently challenged the proceedings through his legal team. Ayinde alleged exclusion and procedural irregularities, though the ruling house has maintained that the selection remains strictly within the customary bounds of the Fusengbuwa lineage.
The Afobaje, led by the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, will now engage in traditional consultations, including seeking guidance from the Ifa Oracle, to select the most suitable candidate. Once a choice is made, the name will be forwarded to the Ogun State Government for final approval and official announcement.
