Succession Battle Heats Up as 17 Princes Jostle for Awujale of Ijebuland Throne

Following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, the respected Awujale of Ijebuland, attention has swiftly shifted to the succession race for the historic throne. The monarch, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was buried the following day. His demise came only hours after the nation learned of the death of his longtime ally and friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who also passed on that same day.

Ascending the throne in 1960, Oba Adetona reigned for 65 years, making him the longest-serving Awujale in history. A son of the Anikinaiya Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, he was a cultural icon and a custodian of Yoruba tradition throughout his reign. The process of selecting his successor is guided by the Declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957. This declaration, approved on August 25 and registered on September 1, 1959—before Oba Adetona’s ascension—specifies four ruling houses with succession rights: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote.

By rotation, the turn has now fallen on the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Already, no fewer than 17 princes have signaled their intentions to step into the late monarch’s shoes. Among them are 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, and Prince Adeleye Lateef. Others vying for the stool include Prince Adewale Akeem Adeleke, Prince Adeyemi Oduwole, Prince Onabanjo Oladayo, Prince Odunowo Adebowale Emmanuel, Prince Adegbenro Bello, and Prince Adewale Ayoola Olasupo Bello.

The contest, however, remains subject to tradition and legal requirements. The 17 aspirants must undergo thorough screening and nomination by the Ijebu kingmakers before a single candidate is chosen. The selected prince will subsequently be presented to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whose formal approval will seal the succession in accordance with extant laws.