The throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland is vacant. Why? Because Oba Sikiru Adetona, the king who reigned for 65 years, handed away on July 13, 2025. Ever since, the succession has been one act after one other.
Going by custom, there’s a written rule for the succession. The 1957 Western State Chieftaincy Declaration rotates the stool amongst 4 royal homes: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote. Adetona got here from Anikinaiya, so Fusengbuwa is subsequent.
Fusengbuwa opened nominations and acquired 95 contenders, 94 of which had been princes. The final was a princess, Mrs. Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer. Customary regulation permits a feminine monarch if no appropriate male candidate exists. With 94 princes in the race, that clause is unlikely to be examined.
The 13 conventional kingmakers, often known as Afobaje, narrowed the area. In mid-2026, the Olisa, head of the kingmakers, forwarded a shortlist to the Ogun State Government. The names embody Hon. Prince Ademorin Kuye, a present lawmaker, and Prince Onabanjo John, a company determine with elite connections. Three different princes accomplished the record.
Governor Dapo Abiodun has declared {that a} new Awujale will emerge earlier than May 29, 2027. That deadline offers the course of a hard and fast finish date for the first time since the throne grew to become vacant.
Local reviews describe a proxy contest between political figures in Ogun and Lagos over most well-liked candidates. Although the particulars stay unconfirmed, the state authorities holds the authorized energy to pick from the shortlist. The ruling home says an Ifa oracle endorsed a particular prince from the authentic 95. The kingmakers despatched 5 names; the authorities will decide one.
Meanwhile, Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, often known as KWAM 1, filed authorized petitions difficult the screening course of. The ruling home dismissed his complaints. The course of paused, then resumed.
The workers of workplace has not been issued. Until it’s, Ijebuland waits for the crown to seek out its subsequent head.
