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Tag: Awujale

  • ‘Qualities expected from next Awujale’

    ‘Qualities expected from next Awujale’

    By Adebisi Mustapha

    With the resolution of the Olori Ebi crisis, which initially reared its head in the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu Ode, the coast appeared cleared for the selection of a worthy candidate to fill the vacant stool of Awujale of Ijebuland.

    The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu Ode is the biggest of the four ruling houses in Ijebu ode having produced 25 Awujale in the past, with many junior obas on the stool in many towns outside Ijebu Ode.

    Expectedly, there have been many aspirants  from the different royal families within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House jostling for the stool. Majorly.

    Notable among the royal houses that made up the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are Bubiade, Folagbade, Tuwase, Jadiara, Fusengbuwa. But who does the cap fits.

    One name keep popping up amongst the princes of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and that is that of  Otunba Abiodun Onanuga, He is a personality that has cut a niche for himself in the real estate and construction sector of the country. He is also well endowed and imbued with what it takes to  sit and occupy  the stool of Awujale.  He is humble, has respect for tradition and culture of Ijebuland, breathe Ijebu and  is well loved by the young and old within his family, members of the various traditional institutions in Ijebu Ode among others.

    Royal families background

    The Giwa of Egbe Bobakeye Akile Ijebu is  Ijebu personified and truly a blue blood based on his families pedigree.

    His rich royal background could first be traced to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House  through his late father, Omoba (Alhaji) Ishola Onanuga, a prince of  Jadiara Royal family, through his maternal grandfather, Prince Fetuga and Olisa Olukoga of Ijebu Ode,  his maternal grandmother.

    His mother, late Alhaja Bisola Onanuga was the granddaughter of Omoba Alfa Kadiri of Bubiade Royal House of Ita’jana, Ijebu Ode and Obelu Lukan Royal House of Esure through her grandmother who was the first Iya Suna of Ijebu-Imushin. The late Alhaja Bisola Onanuga was also the granddaughter of Prince Talabi Awoye, son of the 20th Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife of Olufesogbade Ruling House.

    His grandfather was  late Omoba (Alhaji) Mustapha Onanuga a.k.a Captain Alaso Oke , who came from the Anikinaiya Ruling House. The late Captain Alaso Oke, as fondly called,  was the Giwa of the Obafowora Age Grade and one of the signatories to the nomination of the immediate past  Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON in 1959.

    His politics

    A progressive to the core, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga was  active in  politics and contributed to economic development  of Ogun  and Lagos states and at national level. He was a member of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and served as member of the Transitional Committee of then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999, member Ogun State Transitional Work Group in 2003 and Board member, Gateway Pharmaceutical  between 1999 and 2003. Presently he is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on which platform his wife, Yeye Yetunde Onanuga was elected Deputy Governor alongside former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

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    Other appointments

    He was also Board Member of Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Reduction since 2002 to date; member Ijebu Ode  Central Mosque Building technical Committee; Chairman Awujale Palace Extension Building Technical Committee.

    Presently, he is one of the members of the Ijebu State Creation Committee and arrow head of Council of Otunbas who sponsored the construction of an office in Ijebu Ode preparatory for the location of Passport Office  by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs.

    Traditional titles

    In recognition of his contributions to socio- development of Ijebuland, he was honoured with chieftaincy titles by some Ijebu monarchs.  Aside from being a member of Council of Otunbas, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga was conferred with the title of Otunba Tayese of Esure Ijebu by late Alaiyeluwa, Obelu of Esure Ijebu, Oba (Dr.)  Kamoru Sansi in 1995. Thereafter in recognition of his social contribution to Ijebuland, he was conferred the title of Otunba Anikinaiya, reserved for blue bloods, by the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr, Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, in 2008.

    These titles bestowed on him by these monarchs and his royal pedigree endeared him to other traditional rulers, a relationship he cherished, that made him to be grounded in the rich tradition and culture of Ijebu Ode and Ijebuland,

    Socio cultural activities

    Otunba Abiodun Onanuga is one of the arrowheads for the establishment of a socio-political group named  Ijebu Congress which membership spread across Ijebuland.

    As a stakeholder in the history  and culture of Ijebu Ode, he joined other like minds to push for the establishment of Ijebu National Museum and contributed immensely towards the realization of the project.

    He also initiated a committee of Bobakeye age group which visited the British museum in London in 2024 and which visited British National Archives in London to look for facts to clear and provide answer to certain issues and clear some ambiguities relating to the visit of Queen Elizabeth of England to Ijebu Ode in 1956 and some aspects of Ijebu history. The ‘expedition’ was rewarding as the investigation provided documentary evidence that has enriched the history of Ijebuland during colonial period.

    Bobakeye age grade 1956 to 1958

    As Giwa Bobakeye, he has maintained a healthy cohesion within the ranks of the members such that the membership remained united and not factionised over the last 30 years to date. He is also the Vice Chairman of Regberegbe Council of Ijebu Ode.

    Working life

    Otunba Abiodun Onanuga is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NUGACON, a construction and property development company established in 1982. The company was later incorporated as a limited liability in 1984 and has contributed to socio-economic development of Lagos and Ogun States in particular.

    Education

    For his primary education, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga attended Emmanuel Anglican Primary School, Italupe between 1963 and 1969 and the prestigious Ijebu Ode Grammar School between 1970 and 1974 where he won the award for  the Best Student in Technical Drawing.  He attended Federal School of Science , Victoria Island, Lagos for his’ A’ Levels  between 1974 and 1975 and Yaba College of Technology in 1976 and graduated in June, 1981 with flying colours.

    After serving his one year National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) at the National Housing Authority between 1981 and 1982, he wrote and passed the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB) examinations and qualified as a Chartered Builder (MNIOB) and was later admitted into the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) in 1992.

    He was enrolled into the College of Fellows by the Nigerian Institute of Building (FNIOB) in 2005. Earlier in 2004, he was recognized professionally for attaining Excellence by the Nigerian Institute of Building(NIOB).

    He is a Member of Nigerian Institute of Management; Member Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI);  Member Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Member Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Kingdom amongst others.

    • Mustapha, wrote from Ijebu-Ode

  • Fusengbuwa Ruling House faction declares self ‘original’ for Awujale succession

    Fusengbuwa Ruling House faction declares self ‘original’ for Awujale succession

    A new faction within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has declared itself the “original” Fusengbuwa Ruling House, as preparations intensify for the selection of Awujale of Ijebuland.

    The declaration was made yesterday during a news briefing at the Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Museum & Hall, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    The new faction led by Chief Fassy Yusuf, comprises Jadiara Royal House, Bubiade Royal House, Tunwase Royal House and Fusengbuwa Royal House.

    Yusuf, who addressed reporters, said the appellation “original” was adopted to distinguish the group without denying membership of other family branches.

    He said the purpose of the gathering was to announce the end of the mourning period for the late monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, which would formally end on October 11.

    With the mourning period ending, he said the family must begin implementing the provisions of the declaration made under Section 4 (2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, Customary Law Regulating the Selection to the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy.

    The declaration, which he read aloud, identifies the four ruling houses as Gbelegbuwa, Anikinlaiya, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote, in that order of rotation.

    He said succession might devolve through the female line in the absence of a qualified male, provided the candidate’s mother was a true-born (Abidagba).

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    Responding to questions on the Folagbade Adenuga group’s claim of Abidagba status, Yusuf maintained that Folagbade was not listed among the four ruling houses in the declaration, and therefore should align with its appropriate branch.

    On the issue of leadership, he said the “original” group had not yet announced a family head, but is represented by himself as coordinator and Pastor Prince Bola Salami as secretary.

    Membership registration forms and expression of interest forms for candidates aspiring to the Awujale stool were also unveiled at the briefing. While the forms are free, a voluntary support contribution of N2,000 was suggested for the family database registration.

    Chief Yusuf addressed the rift with Otunba Owoyemi, explaining that the earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed between Dr. Adekunle Hassan’s group and Owoyemi had made the latter head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with Yusuf as deputy and Salami as secretary. However, he said Owoyemi’s subsequent alignment with the Ajidagba branch violated the spirit of that agreement.

    “The world is dynamic, change is imminent, and the dynamics of change may also change tomorrow,” Yusuf remarked. “But for now, this is the situation we have found ourselves.”

    The briefing was attended by Otunba Odedina Emmanuel, Oloriebi of Jadiara; Prince Adewale Jadesinmi, Oloriebi of Bubiade; Prince Bolarinde Salami, Secretary of the group; Chief G.A. Sanni, Balogun of Esugbon; and Oba Prof. Titilayo Hassan, Elesugbon of Esugbon, along with several other members of the four recognised branches—Jadiara, Bubiade, Tunwase and Fusengbuwa.

  • Push for female Awujale gathers momentum

    Push for female Awujale gathers momentum

    The push for a female Awujale is fast gaining momentum, it was learnt yesterday.

    The passing of the 46th Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, after a 65-year reign, has set the stage for a never-before historic succession battle.

    It is poised to be one that could inevitably see a woman ascend the age-old revered throne for the first time in over 270 years.

    Among the names quietly resonating within royal and political circles is that of Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga.

    She is seen as a formidable candidate whose royal lineage, global leadership credentials, and passion for progressive governance are fueling conversations across the Ijebu nation.

    A U.K-based cultural enthusiast,

    Angie Speaks, believes it will be fitting for the next monarch to be a woman from Ijebu Ode – the fabled burial place of one of the most powerful historical female queens

    ”Imagine what the choice of a woman will do to the black diaspora audience worldwide whose curiosity is all about one of the most famous women who ever lived – Queen of Sheba (Bilikisu Sungbo) whose burial site is today in Oke-Eri in ljebu Ode,” Speaks said.

    The Awujale stool is one of Nigeria’s most enduring thrones, its succession governed by a rotational order among four ruling houses: Anikilaiya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa.

    With Oba Adetona hailing from the Anikilaiya House, the crown now shifts to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House— the very lineage from which Dr. Onanuga descends.

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    Her maternal line traces directly to Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I (Aboki), who was brought from Ago-iwoye to ascend the throne from 1886 to 1895 as the 47th Awujale of ljebu land. He occupied the throne during the lmagbon war and was the only male scion of Fusengbuwa.

    Dr. Onanuga is a legitimate contender under the 1957 Chieftaincy Declarations that regulates succession.

    While the declarations prefer male candidates, they do not bar women.

    History records at least three female Awujales: Oba Gadegun (1644), Oba Ore Jeje (1749), and Oba Sapennuwa Ruwa Koye (1750).

    “History shows us that Ijebuland has never been afraid of strong women in leadership,” a source familiar with the tradition observed.

    “If the Fusengbuwa family presents her, nothing in the law stops Dr. Onanuga from becoming the next Awujale.”

    Who is Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga?

    Far from a ceremonial figurehead, Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga brings a rare blend of royal bloodline, professional distinction, and international recognition.

    A Partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), she leads the Real Estate Practice Group, combining law, project finance, and policy.

    With over 20 years in IT and governance, she worked with Deloitte Haskins & Sells, which later indigenised as Adetona Isichei & Co., and served as intergovernmental liaison in the UK and US.

    She contributed to Tony Blair’s New Deal Project and Barack Obama’s mortgage relief campaigns, and holds the rare honour of being named a UN Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador for her role in shaping reforms to the U.S.-Africa Trade Law (AGOA).

    From contesting as a UK councillor in 2002 to serving on Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Committees, she has demonstrated political savvy and grassroots engagement.

    Her career speaks to an ability to bridge cultures, mobilise stakeholders, and drive reform.

    Observers see these as qualities critical for a monarch navigating the modern realities of tradition, politics, and development.

    A commentator stated: “Having a female ruler in Ijebu, especially in the age of rapid information, would draw global attention to the region.

    ”There’s nothing interesting or compelling about crowning another old man, especially now that Nigeria is rapidly progressing on the global stage.” Dr. Onanuga’s rulership could be an incredibly useful diplomatic position connecting Nigeria with the rest of the world.

    Another commentator from the UK said: “The first African queen in god knows when isn’t just an interesting story for Nigeria – it’s an interesting story for Africa and the rest of the world at large.”

    Why Dr Onanuga stands a chance

    Ijebu’s history is steeped in tradition, yet its people have always been forward-looking.

    For many stakeholders, Dr. Onanuga represents a rare opportunity: royal legitimacy through the Fusengbuwa line; global exposure to law, governance, and diplomacy, and progressive vision of gender inclusion and social impact.

    “Oba Adetona left a legacy of intellectual courage and progressive thinking,” said a political analyst.

    “It would not be out of place for Ijebuland to break new ground by enthroning a woman who embodies those same values.”

    The kingmakers of Ijebuland will soon begin the delicate process of selecting the next Awujale.

    Tradition dictates their choice, but history allows them room for boldness.

    ”History could be about to be made,” said the analyst.

    Whether or not Dr. Onanuga emerges, her candidacy has already reframed the narrative.

    It reminds Ijebuland that the stool is not just about ancestry, but about the ability to lead in a fast-changing world.

    Should the Fusengbuwa House and the kingmakers look her way, Ijebu could make history again — and crown a queen for the future.

  • Abiodun meets Awujale transition council

    Abiodun meets Awujale transition council

    Ogun governor, Dapo Abiodun, has met with the body overseeing traditional and administrative matters during the transition period of installing a new Awujale of Ijebu-Ode.

    According to Rasak Sekoni, Information Officer at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the meeting took place on Friday in Abeokuta.

    While receiving the Transition Council in Abeokuta, Abiodun said the installation of an Awujale required a detailed and carefully coordinated process.

    He recalled that inaugurating the Council in August was necessary to sustain the traditional and administrative roles long associated with the Awujale Palace.

    The governor was represented by the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ganiyu Hamzat.

    Abiodun assured government support, stressing that the Council’s success was crucial to sustaining the legacy of late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

    He urged the Council to be united, fair and unbiased in discharging their responsibilities in the collective interest of all stakeholders.

    Abiodun further charged members to maintain neutrality when the process of filling the Awujale’s vacant stool formally begins. (NAN)

  • ‘Ogun won’t interfere in Awujale’s selection process’

    ‘Ogun won’t interfere in Awujale’s selection process’

    Ogun State Government yesterday assured Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode that it would not allow intruders or outsiders to interfere in the process of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    It said the ruling house had competent and capable hands (princes) to handle its internal matters pertaining to the next Awujale, adding that other ruling houses would not be allowed to meddle in the matter.

    The state government spoke through the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, during a visit to him at Itoro, Ijebu-Ode headquarters of the local government by elders of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including three monarchs – the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, Saderiren of Isonyin-Ijebu, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Salami and Onirete of Irete, Oba Abdul-Ganiyu Awokoya Yusuf.

    Alebiosu, responding to a formal request by Fusengbuwa Ruling House through the Olori-Ebi, Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, that the government should rein in other ruling houses from meddling in the matters of Fusengbuwa house, said “government won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act.”

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    Noting that Ijebu-Ode is not a “banana republic,” the council chairman, who spoke virtually during the meeting where his Vice-Chairman, Titilayo Adeyemi, was in attendance, said he would convey the ruling house’s concerns to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    Alebiosu said: “I heard you saying some other ruling houses are trying to interfere or meddle in the affairs of Fusengbuwa or engage in some kind of smear campaign. I want to assure you that government is on top of everything and we won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act, this is not a banana republic.

    “So we won’t allow anything of such to happen, I will report back to the governor. We won’t allow any interloper, each ruling house has its turn and now it is the turn of Fusengbuwa, so no interloper will be allowed. Fusengbuwa has lots of capable people, so we will ensure the right thing is done. I will study your documents and get back to you when I am back in town.”

    Speaking earlier, Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Owoyemi, hailed Governor Abiodun for successfully setting up an administrative board of eminent and credible Ijebu-Ode high chiefs, to pilot and oversee the Awujale Palace affairs and responsibilities over the entire Ijebu people, pending the successful appointment and enthronement of the 59 Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land.

    The former President of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) used the avenue to appeal to the government to convene an urgent meeting of three other Awujale ruling houses –  Fidipote, Gbelegbuwa and Anikilaya –  and prevail on them to leave members of Fusengbuwa Ruling House alone to resolve their differences by themselves.

  • Ogun govt assures Fusengbuwa ruling house of fair process in Awujale selection

    Ogun govt assures Fusengbuwa ruling house of fair process in Awujale selection

    The Ogun State government has assured the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode that it will not allow intruders or outsiders to interfere in the process of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Speaking on Tuesday, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, said the Fusengbuwa ruling house has capable princes to handle its internal affairs, stressing that other ruling houses would not be allowed to meddle in the succession process.

    Alebiosu gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to his office in Itoro by elders of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, including three monarchs: the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba (Barr.) Sikiru Okuribido, the Saderiren of Isonyin-Ijebu, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Salami; and the Onirete of Irete, Oba Abdul-Ganiyu Awokoya Yusuf.

    Responding to a formal request by the Fusengbuwa Olori-Ebi, Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, for government intervention to stop other ruling houses from meddling, Alebiosu said, “Government won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act.”

    He further emphasized that Ijebu-Ode is not a “Banana republic” and pledged to convey the ruling house’s concerns to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    Alebiosu said, “I heard you saying that some other ruling houses are trying to interfere or meddle in the affairs of Fusengbuwa or engage in some kind of smear campaign. I want to assure you that the government is on top of everything, and we won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act; this is not a banana republic.

    “And so we won’t allow anything of such to happen, I will report back to the Governor. We won’t allow any interloper; each ruling house has its turn, and now it is the turn of Fusengbuwa, so no interloper will be allowed. The Fusengbuwa has lots of capable people, so we will ensure that the right thing is done. I will study all your documents and get back to you when I am back in town.”

    Speaking earlier, Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Owoyemi commended Governor Abiodun for successfully setting up an Administrative Board of highly eminent and credible Ijebu-Ode High Chiefs, to pilot and oversee the Awujale Palace affairs and responsibilities over the entire Ijebu people, pending the successful appointment and enthronement of the 59 Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land.

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    The former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) used the avenue to passionately appeal to the government to convene an urgent meeting of three other Awujale Ruling Houses – Fidipote, Gbelegbuwa, and Anikilaya – and prevail on them to leave members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House alone to resolve their differences by themselves.

    Otunba Owoyemi said, “We would also appeal to you to please convene an urgent meeting with the leaders of the three other Awujale Ruling Houses, Fidipote, Gbelegbuwa, and Anikilaya, and request them to please leave us in Fusengbuwa Ruling House alone to resolve our differences ourselves, and they should please not continue to fan the embers of discord or promote the diabolical efforts being made to destabilize our Ruling House, by deliberately pouring fuel on the fire lit by a dissident unit, trying to undermine and destroy the entire family.

    “Fusengbuwa Ruling House had never interfered in the affairs of any of the three Awujale sister Ruling Houses, and in the name of Almighty God and reverence for our noble ancestors, stop meddling in the affairs of our House, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

    “These interlopers are unwittingly setting a very bad and dangerous precedent for others to follow in the future and with clearly foreseeable disastrous consequences.”

  • Awujale: New Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa ruling house urges merit in selection

    Awujale: New Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa ruling house urges merit in selection

    The newly confirmed Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adedayo Owoyemi, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the kingmakers to ensure that only the most competent prince emerges as the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Owoyemi also called on critical stakeholders to work in unity when the Fusengbuwa ruling house begins the nomination process, stressing that “only the best is good enough for the Ijebu people.”

    The former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) made the appeal at the weekend when he hosted members of the Tunwase family unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house at his country home, Aafin Otunba Jadiara Palace, Idowa-Ijebu.

    The Tunwase family, lineage of the late founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun, has produced three Awujales in the past, including Oba Adenuga Folagbade.

    During the visit, the family members pledged their support for Owoyemi’s leadership and expressed readiness to work with him to strengthen the Fusengbuwa ruling house.

    Fusengbuwa is next in line to produce Awujale for the vacant throne of Awujale of Ijebuland following the demise of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025 at age 91.

    Speaking to reporters after the visitation, Olori-Ebi Owoyemi said that the royal family had not set up any committee to screen aspirants for the vacant stool, and advised Ijebu sons and daughters – home and abroad, to ignore anything to the contrary.

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    He also noted that the house hadn’t yet agreed on the amount of money an aspirant would have to pay for a nomination form, stressing that it couldn’t be made free lest thousands of aspirants show up and become unwieldy to manage during screening. 

    He urged aspirants to the throne not to go visiting spiritualists, Babalawos, native doctors, Alfas or pastors or resort to all manner of diabolical means to become Awujale at all cost, stressing that the throne is always about God. 

    He revealed that a prophecy had gone out that the incoming Awujale will be greater than his predecessor, late Oba Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors July 13, 2025 at age 91.

    He said the process of ascending the throne must be pleasing to God, and needs not push any aspirant into running from pillar to pole, explaining that what is required of the aspirants is to trust God for a seamless race. 

    He said, “The late Awujale once told us that to be made a king is divine, that such people are always with their crown which they came with from heaven and it is such that wherever such a person may be, he will be located when the time comes. I urge them to always pray that the will of the Almighty God alone be done because He’s the only one who makes someone a King.”

    Earlier, Otunba Owoyemi clarified that he emerged the authentic and confirmed head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and not Chief Adedokun Ajidagba after the Ibadan Court of Appeal judgement of November 28, 2024 ruled in his favour and confirmed the fact that he had been the ruling house head appointed since 2013 after the death of Olori-Ebi (Prince) Fasasi Adeyemi.

  • Awujale: Abiodun urges kingmakers to be fair

    Awujale: Abiodun urges kingmakers to be fair

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged the Awujale- Chiefs-in-Council to ensure a level playing field in the process of appointing a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Speaking after a meeting with members of the Awujale-Chiefs-in- Council at Iperu, Prince Abiodun noted that it was imperative for the people of Ijebuland to have a new Awujale as soon as possible, as “nature abhors a vacuum.”

    He assured the people of Ijebuland that his administration would support any candidate presented by the kingmakers at the end of the nomination process.

    “Nature abhors a vacuum, and the process of installing another Awujale has started. That was also what we discussed.

    “The pathway to having in place a regency is the pathway to ensuring that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and to ensure that all the processes, which are enshrined in the laws of Ijebuland are strictly followed.“I must say that all of us agreed that we are on the same page, and I think this will put paid to all the rumours that have been making the rounds,” the governor said.

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    He hoped the process would be rancour-free, as those who would be lining up for the exalted position would be given equal opportunity.

    He described members of the Awujale Council as respectable personalities who contributed to the successful reign of the late Awujale by maintaining peace in the land.

    “I had to first of all wait for the 40 days to come and go before calling this meeting because all of us have been in mourning. I think what is most important is the fact that they are all deeply committed and dedicated chiefs of the Awujale, and I appreciate them.

    “This is my first meeting with them to commiserate with them on the passing of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and also to assure them that despite the rumours that have been ongoing, I have absolute confidence in them.

    “The Council is intact, with no disharmony among them. There is no pluralisation; they are all working hand in glove with each other, and I am happy with today’s meeting, and I thank them,” the governor concluded.

    The Olootu Olowa and Deputy Chairman of the Council, Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, stressed the resolve of the Council to continue its peace-building duties. He said members would continue to unite and work as a team for the peace and progress of Ijebuland.

  • Abiodun tasks kingmakers on level playing ground for Awujale contestants

    Abiodun tasks kingmakers on level playing ground for Awujale contestants

    Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun has charged the Awujale Chiefs –  in – Council in Ijebu Ode to ensure a level playing ground in the process of appointing a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

    The stool of the Awujale became vacant when Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, at 91 after reigning for over 65 years.

    Speaking after a meeting with members of the Awujale Chiefs – in – Council at Iperu, Abiodun said it was imperative for the people of Ijebuland to have a new Awujale as soon as possible, as “nature abhors a vacuum.”

    The Governor assured the people of Ijebuland that his administration would support any candidate presented by the kingmakers at the end of the nomination process.

    “Nature abhors a vacuum, and the process of installing another Awujale has started. That was also what we discussed.

    “The pathway to having in place a regency is the pathway to ensuring that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and to ensure that all the processes which are enshrined in the Laws of Ijebuland are strictly followed.

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    “I must say that all of us agreed that we are on the same page, and I think this will put paid to all the rumours that have been agog about one thing or another,” he said. 

    Abiodun also expressed the hope that the process would be rancour-free asking those lining up for the exalted position to be given equal opportunity.

    He described members of the Awujale Council as respectable personalities who contributed to the successful reign of the late Awujale by maintaining peace in the land.

    “I had to first of all wait for the 40 days to come and go before calling this meeting because all of us have been in mourning. I think what is most important is the fact that they are all deeply committed and dedicated chiefs of the Awujale, and I appreciate them.

    “This is my first meeting with them to commiserate with them on the passing of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and also to assure them that despite the rumours that have been ongoing, I have absolute confidence in them.

    “The Council is intact, with no disharmony among them. There is no pluralization; they are all working hand in glove with each other, and I am happy with today’s meeting, and I thank them,” the Governor added.

    The Olootu Olowa and Deputy Chairman of the Council, Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, stressed the resolve of the Council to continue its peace-building duties. 

    He assured that members would continue to unite and work as a team for the peace and progress of Ijebuland. 

  • Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House seeks ancestors’ blessings

    Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House seeks ancestors’ blessings

    Members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, the family designated to produce the next Awujale, have offered traditional prayers to their ancestors.

    They have also promised to restore distorted traditions of Ijebu Ode.

    This is to enable them choose a befitting and worthy candidate for the vacant stool.

    The event was held on Sunday at their ancestral home, ‘Ile-Nla’, Agusenbi Royal family House.

    The ritual, which followed the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona of Anikinaiya Ruling House, was part of the processes leading to the selection of a new candidate for the vacant stool.

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    The event drew a large number of family members, including new ones, who were formally welcomed into the fold through the traditional rite of ‘ikaro’.

    They were received by the Olori-Ebi of the family, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, alongside other elders.

    Prominent personalities present included the Chairman of Aron Construction Limited, Prince Fathai Arowolo, Enisemu Leguru of Ijebuland, HRH Oba Tajudeen Bello and Olowa of Ijebu-Ode, who is also the Abore of Awujale, Chief Razaq Adeleye Osimodi.

    Others in attendance were General Secretary of the four ruling houses, who is also the Secretary to the Fusengbuwa family, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, Prince Folu Ogidan Aderibigbe, Prince Olaseni Samsideen Ottun, Omo-Oba Toibu Mabaweje and representatives from the other ruling houses.