IJEBU-ODE, Ogun State — The race to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland has entered a crucial stage as the Ilamuren Council of Kingmakers, led by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, has formally nominated five princes and forwarded their names to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for consideration and final selection.
The development was conveyed in a letter dated April 14, 2026, addressed to the governor and personally signed by the Olisa, who serves as the head of the Ilamuren Council and chief kingmaker in the selection process of the Awujale.
According to the letter, the nomination was carried out in line with Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary law regulating the selection and succession to the revered throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
The Olisa explained that the process became necessary following the passing of the late Awujale, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on July 13, 2025, which created a vacancy on the throne.
The five princes nominated for the exalted stool are:
1. Prince Hon. Ademorin Aliu Kuye-Male (62) – Jadoira Royal Lineage
2. Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja) (53) – Tunwase Royal Lineage
3. Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John (45) – Osinuga/Fusengbuwa Royal Lineage
4. Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga (45) – Fusengbuwa Royal Lineage
5. Prince Olabode Onanuga (59) – Jadoira Royal Lineage
Chief Adesanya stated that several meetings were convened in his palace in accordance with established Ijebu customs and traditions to deliberate on the succession process.
He noted that after extensive consultations and deliberations, the kingmakers unanimously agreed to forward the names of the five qualified princes to the Ogun State Government.
“The Declaration provides that all the kingmakers must unanimously pick one candidate or send preferred candidates of the kingmakers to the State Government for final choice. It is in pursuance of that we forward the five names for the choice of the State Government,” the Olisa stated in the letter.
He added that the nominations were made after considering the overall interests of Ijebu-Ode, Ijebuland, and Ogun State, stressing that the shortlisted princes possess the experience, pedigree and antecedents required to lead the ancient kingdom.
“I have also considered the overall interests of Ijebu Ode and the Chieftaincy Law of Ogun State and to forestall the process of nominations and hence the recommendations of five qualified princes whose antecedents and experience will bring the exalted position to greater achievements for Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria,” he wrote.
The letter, which was routed through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, signals a major milestone in the process of selecting a successor to the late monarch, who reigned for more than six decades and was one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
With the submission of the nominees, attention now shifts to Governor Abiodun and the appropriate authorities as the process of choosing the next Awujale of Ijebuland gathers momentum.
Credit: Newsmakers
