Ogun: Intrigues as Awujale stool remains vacant one year after
One-Year Anniversary of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s Passing
Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria — Monday marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. He was buried the following day in accordance with Islamic rites at his private residence in Ijebu-Ode.
Oba Adetona’s death was reported just hours apart from that of his close friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari. Born on May 10, 1934, into the family of Prince Rufai Adeleke of the Anikinaiya Royal House, he ascended the throne at the age of 26, after being presented with the staff of office by Chief Ladoke Akintola, then Premier of the Western Region. He succeeded Oba Adesanya Gbelegbuwa II and ruled for 65 years.
The late monarch is survived by three wives—Iyabọ Oke, Modupe Ẹkundayọ, and Oluwakẹmi Dodo-Williams—as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In recognition of his contributions to society, President Bola Tinubu honored him with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) during his 90th birthday celebrations in 2024.
Contestants Eye Awujale Throne
Following Oba Adetona’s death, 95 aspirants, including 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa ruling house, have expressed interest in the vacant throne. A nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, Ijebu-Ode, was presided over by the chairman, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, along with his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice, Prof. Fassy Yusuf.
Notable contestants include Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, spouse of the former deputy governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga; prominent ophthalmologist Dr. Kunle Hassan; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction. The only female candidate is lawyer Oluwakemi Onanuga. Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM1, has expressed interest, though the Fusengbuwa family has dismissed his claim, asserting he is not a member of the ruling house.
KWAM1 has sought a court injunction to halt the selection process, which has faced interruptions from the Ogun State government.
Ogun Government Intervenes in Selection Process
On December 11, 2025, the Ogun State government suspended the selection process, requiring the ruling house to comply with legal regulations to prevent further disputes. The process was briefly cleared to continue on January 6, 2026, but was suspended again on January 20 due to security concerns and petitions from stakeholders.
The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs clarified that the suspension was necessary to maintain order and safety. In April, Ijebu Ode kingmakers were summoned by police regarding allegations of bribery during the selection process. Although earlier invitations were dropped after intervention from higher authorities, the ongoing investigations have raised concerns among the kingmakers.
Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, called for an expedited selection process, urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to fulfill their duties without interruption.
Alhaji Abdulateef Owoyemi, chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, emphasized that the state government’s actions have stalled an important traditional exercise. He asserted that no wrongdoing had been found against the kingmakers and asked the government to lift the suspension.
Despite efforts from the ruling house and traditional stakeholders, the 2026 Ojude Oba festival was celebrated without an Awujale on the throne, as the suspension of the selection process remains in effect.
In a related development, a letter allegedly claiming to represent the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, circulated, nominating five princes for consideration by the government. However, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, refuted the legitimacy of the letter, stating that it did not alter the current status of the selection process.
The Olisa of Ijebu-Ode disclaimed any involvement with the letter, suggesting it might be an attempt to damage his reputation.
Before his death, Oba Adetona had stressed the importance of avoiding politicization in the selection of his successor, advising his kingmakers to seek divine guidance to ensure a viable candidate is chosen.
