Succession battle brews as 95 Royals jostle for Awujale Stool

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

No fewer than 95 aspirants, comprising 94 princes and one princess, have formally indicated their interest in succeeding the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, sparking one of the most competitive contests for the revered throne in recent memory.

The announcement came at a nomination meeting of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House held on Monday at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where all candidates were registered following customary procedures.

The vacant Awujale stool has remained unfilled since July 2025, after the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years until his passing at age 91.

Presiding over the nomination meeting, the chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, praised members for conducting the process peacefully and ensuring that the large turnout of contenders reflected the depth of interest within the lineage.

Among those nominated are prominent figures, including Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of a former deputy governor of Ogun State; Dr. Kunle Hassan, a respected ophthalmologist; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction. The only female aspirant is lawyer Oluwakemi Onanuga.

The next phase of the succession will see the Afobajes (kingmakers) examine the nominations and ultimately select a single candidate to be forwarded to the Ogun State Government for final approval.

The crowded field and heightened public interest underscore the cultural importance of the Awujale stool, one of southwestern Nigeria’s most historic traditional offices.

The nomination meeting also proceeded amid claims of exclusion and protests from some family members over the process, which organisers have pledged to address as part of efforts to maintain transparency.