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 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”.
