With the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and burial the following day, the battle to replace the venerated king has formally started.
The late Oba Adetona, the longest reigning paramount ruler of Ijebuland, reigned for 65 years. He was the longest-reigning Awujale in history. He ascended to the throne in 1960 from the Anikinaiya Ruling House and died at the age of 91, just hours after his long-time friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari, had passed on.
In line with the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary proclamation that oversees the succession process, the new Awujale is going to emerge from Fusengbuwa Ruling House. As early as today, 17 princes of the house have openly expressed their desire to straddle the highly revered stool.
In the race are 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, and Prince Adeleye Lateef.
Others include Prince Adewale Akeem Adeleke, Prince Adeyemi Oduwole, Prince Onabanjo Oladayo, Prince Odunowo Adebowale Emmanuel, Prince Adegbenro Bello, and Prince Adewale Ayoola Olasupo Bello.
Despite the vociferous agitations, tradition and propriety still remain between the aspirants and the throne. The Ijebu kingmakers will choose the final nominee before he receives official ratification from the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
