The process to select a new Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland advanced on Monday as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House submitted the names of qualified princes to the kingmakers. The submission was led by the Chairman and Head of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, alongside other leaders and members, and was presented through the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode.
Sources said the kingmakers are expected to deliberate on the list and select a preferred candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the Ogun State Government through the Ijebu-Ode Local Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for approval. The development follows a nomination meeting held earlier by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, during which interested aspirants formally declared their intention to vie for the stool.
At the nomination meeting, the names of several aspirants were unveiled, including a renowned ophthalmic surgeon, Dr Adekunle Hassan, and the joint chairman of ARON Construction Nigeria Limited, Prince Fatai Adesegun, alongside 93 others. The revered stool became vacant following the death of Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, after a historic 65-year reign. Among those nominated was the husband of a former deputy governor of Ogun State, while Princess Oluwakemi Onanuga emerged as the only female aspirant.