The council of ilamuren kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode, led by the Olisa, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, has approved the nomination of five princes for the Awujale throne.
The Daily Crucible reports that the stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland became vacant on July 13, 2025, following the demise of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, who joined his ancestors at the age of 91 after reigning for more than 65 years.
Efforts by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House — next in line to produce the successor to the late Oba Adetona — and the Ijebu-Ode kingmakers to fill the vacant stool through the nomination and selection of candidates have been mired in controversy. The Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun State Government suspended the process on two separate occasions, citing procedural irregularities and petitions against the kingmakers.
Recently, no fewer than six kingmakers were questioned by police operatives at the Eleweran Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Ogun State Command, over allegations of bribery and financial inducement linked to the nomination and selection process for the next Awujale.
However, in a strange letter addressed to the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and personally signed by the Olisa, he said the kingmakers acted under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, and the Customary Law regulating the selection and succession to the Awujale of ljebuland.
The letter further listed the nominees as Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga.
The Olisa explained that he, being the royal authority over the Ilamuren in Council and Head of Kingmakers convened several meetings to consider the selection of the New Awujale.
The letter reads:
“The Declaration provides that all the kingmakers must unanimously pick one candidate or send preferred candidates of the kingmakers to the State Government for final choice. It is in pursuance of that we forward the 5 names for the choice of the State Government.
“I attach herewith the declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, and the Customary Law regulating the selection to the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy.
“I have also considered the overall interests of ljebu Ode and the Chieftaincy law of Ogun State and to forestall the process of nominations and hence the recommendations of 5 qualified princes whose antecedents and experience will bring the exalted position to greater achievements for ljebu land, Ogun State and Nigeria.
“I pray for the prosperity of the Government and people of Ogun State and wish for the enduring greatness of ljebuland”.
Ogun Govt, Olisa Disown ‘Awujale Successor’ Letter
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has dismissed as fake and inconsequential a viral letter allegedly written by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, recommending five princes for consideration as the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The government urged members of the public to disregard the document, insisting that the process for selecting a new Awujale remains suspended and that no official communication has been received from the appropriate authorities concerning the exercise.
The controversial letter, dated April 14 but reportedly acknowledged on June 15, claimed that kingmakers, acting in line with Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary laws guiding succession to the Awujale stool, had shortlisted five princes for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s consideration.
The princes named in the purported recommendation are Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga.
According to the letter, Governor Abiodun was expected to make a final choice from the list of nominees.
Reacting to the said letter on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, described the document as lacking legal backing and incapable of altering the government’s position on the matter.
“The public should disregard the letter entirely. It does not in any way change the position of the government, which remains that the Awujale selection process is still under suspension,” Akinmade said.
He explained that the statutory procedure for communicating decisions reached by kingmakers requires that any valid recommendation regarding the selection of a traditional ruler must pass through official government channels.
“The position of the law is clear. Any communication conveying the decision of kingmakers regarding the selection of a king must emanate from the local government and be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. It cannot come through an individual,” he stated.
Akinmade further noted that, until the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs issues a contrary directive, the suspension of the Awujale succession process remains in force.
Also, Chief Adesanya has distanced himself from the letter, saying it did not originate from him, stressing that individuals seeking avenue to tarnish his reputation may be behind the controversial document.
