- Lawyer gears up for nomination
A lawyer and the only female contender in the succession process for the revered Awujale of Ijebuland stool, Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga, has formally notified the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of her intention to succeed the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba Agbotewole II.
Dr. Onanuga, a partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), submitted her Aspirant’s application to the Olori-Ebi Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (FCA) in Ijebu-Ode.
Her audacious candidacy marks one of the most anticipated declarations since the stool became vacant.
She aspires to follow the footsteps of at least three former female Awujales that history records since the first female, Oba Gadegun, ascended the throne in 1644.
In her letter of intent, the globally trained lawyer and technologist, a direct descendant of the 47th Awujale, His Royal Majesty Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I (Aboki), said her aspiration is rooted in heritage, duty, and a renewed call to service.
“I seek to build upon the firm foundations laid by my forefathers,” she wrote.
In her comments, she paid glowing tributes to the late Oba Adetona: “We give thanks for the long and distinguished reign of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose stewardship and achievements we remember with much love and respect.”
Dr. Onanuga said her leadership philosophy is anchored on the legacy of Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I, whom she described as a monarch of exceptional foresight.
”My vision is deeply rooted in the legacy of my forefather, Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I, who was a ruler of profound vision. It was he who championed an era of unprecedented religious tolerance and openness, ensuring that Ijebuland became a beacon of diversity, acceptance, and formidable trade,” she said.
She recalled that Ijebuland experienced “its most prosperous period of commerce” under Tunwase I, who opened the kingdom to global trade through engagement with the British monarchy.
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“This is the heritage I humbly declare that I embody,” she added.
Dr. Onanuga explained that her aspiration rests on five guiding pillars: unity, cultural pride, education, economic empowerment, and the welfare of elders.
”It is this spirit of enlightened leadership, one that embraces progress while holding fast to our identity, that I seek to reignite.”
”I aspire to extend this proud continuity, honouring the past while boldly addressing our future potential.”
She emphasised that her motivation is rooted not in personal ambition but in duty.
“I present myself not out of ambition alone, but of a sober duty to serve.
“I am fortified by the knowledge that the true strength of a ruler is measured by their service to the people.”
Dr. Onanuga outlined specific priorities she would pursue if chosen by the Afobajes.
These include upholding and advancing the legacy of Ijebu kingship, strengthening traditional institutions and their legal standing, reigniting prosperous commerce through modern infrastructure and economic reforms, championing unity in diversity, as established under Tunwase I; expanding educational opportunities so the populace are job ready, and ensuring the welfare of elders, whom she described as custodians of Ijebu history.
Speaking further in an interview, Dr. Onanuga said her royal heritage imposes a responsibility she can not ignore.
“My driving force is primarily inherent in my bloodline. When you are born a royal, it becomes about duty and nothing else! Imagine if Prince Charles of England or William refused to ascend the throne.”
She outlined a strategic development plan centred on attracting foreign and local investment into Ijebuland in areas such as infrastructure, mega real estate, agricultural modernisation, and renewable energy.
“We must determine what ‘Hub City’ ljebu must become!” she said.
This approach, she believes, will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods.
Dr. Onanuga described herself as a “global citizen,” saying her multinational exposure equips her to reposition Ijebuland.
”I am Nigerian by heritage, British by birth, and American by training and choice. I have amassed years of skills by virtue of this peculiar advantage, so I am a great solutions provider for Ijebuland through my network and skill set,” she declared.
Asked about the challenge of being a woman, she added that it gives her a unique leadership edge.
”My gender is my biggest advantage. I am the only female among the aspirants, and I believe being a woman is actually an advantage for me.”
Born on March 31, 1962, Dr. Onanuga embodies a lineage of service strengthened by a lifetime of global exposure and professional excellence.
From her early years of education at Ladi-Lak Institute and Methodist Girls High School, both in Yaba, Lagos, she has nurtured a passion for leadership that has matured into an extraordinary repertoire of achievements.
She is a US and UK-trained lawyer, an IT and systems professional with nearly 30 years’ experience, and a global advocate who has worked across continents with governments, private institutions, and multilateral bodies.
As a partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), her work combines law, project finance, and policy proposals.
Principal Partner at OAL, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, said: “Dr Onanuga possesses the rare substance required for sovereignty: a formidable intellect, a resilient spirit, and the dignified bearing of tradition while engaging the future. She is tried, tested, and profoundly capable.”
From contesting as a UK councillor in 2002 to being appointed and serving on Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Committees, during which she played a key role in the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, she has demonstrated political savvy and top-level connections that will benefit Ijebuland.
With over 30 years in IT-related projects, she has worked with Deloitte Haskins & Sells and served as an intergovernmental liaison person in the UK and US.
She contributed to the then Tony Blair’s New Deal Project in the UK and Barack Obama’s mortgage relief campaign in the US.
She holds the rare honour of being named a United Nations lifetime Goodwill Ambassador for her role in shaping reforms to the U.S.-Africa Trade Law (AGOA) and her community empowerment projects.
As she prepares for the next stage of the upcoming Obaship nomination, her career continues to speak to her ability to bridge cultures, mobilise stakeholders, drive reforms, and make history.
