Tension Mounts As Princes Jostle For Awujale Crown (Full List)

Following the recent passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, preparations have begun to select his successor. Oba Adetona died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

He was buried the next day, and a traditional mourning period followed. His death came just hours after the announcement of the passing of his close friend, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

Oba Adetona, who began his reign in 1960, was the longest-serving Awujale in the history of Ijebuland. He belonged to the Anikinaiya Ruling House, one of the four royal families eligible to ascend the throne.

According to the declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957, which governs the selection of the Awujale, the four ruling houses are: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote.

This declaration was officially approved on August 25, 1959, and registered on September 1, 1959, just before Oba Adetona took the throne.

The next ruling house in line to produce the Awujale is the House of Fusengbuwa. Seventeen princes from this house have expressed interest in the position. The contenders include:

Prince Adewale Alausa
Prince Ademola Aderibigbe
Prince Taiwo Otun
Hon. Olaseni Otun
Otunba Sakiru Bello
Prince Olawale Yusuf Oriola
Prince Adeleke Adeyemi Akeem
Prince Adekunle Agbasale
Prince Adewale Adekoya Ayodele
Otunba Fatai Arowolo
Prince Adeleye Lateef
Prince Adewale Akeem Adeleke
Prince Adeyemi Oduwole
Prince Onabanjo Oladayo
Prince Odunowo Adebowale Emmanuel
Prince Adegbenro Bello
Prince Adewale Ayoola Olasupo Bello
The selection process is expected to be competitive. It will involve traditional consultations and legal procedures. The final decision will be made by the kingmakers of Ijebuland and will require the formal approval of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The transition marks a significant moment in the history of Ijebuland, as the community prepares to welcome a new monarch after more than six decades of uninterrupted reign by the late Oba Adetona.