The race to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland has entered a decisive stage as the Ilamuren Council of Kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode, led by the Olisa, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, formally submitted the names of five qualified princes to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for final consideration.
In a letter personally signed by the Olisa, the kingmakers said the nominations were made in accordance with Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957 and the Customary Law governing the selection and succession to the revered Awujale throne.
The five nominees are Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga.
According to the Olisa, the council held several meetings following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose remarkable 65-year reign left an enduring legacy across Ijebuland and Nigeria.
He explained that the chieftaincy declaration empowers kingmakers to either unanimously select a candidate or forward preferred candidates to the state government for a final decision.
“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 letter stated.
The Olisa said the recommendations were guided by the overall interests of Ijebu-Ode, the provisions of Ogun State’s chieftaincy law, and the need to avoid prolonged disputes that could delay the emergence of a new monarch.
He noted that the shortlisted princes possess the experience, pedigree and antecedents capable of advancing the prestige of the Awujale stool and contributing to the development of Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
With the list now before Governor Abiodun, attention shifts to the Ogun State Government, which is expected to review the nominees in line with the chieftaincy declaration before announcing the 21st Awujale of Ijebuland.
The throne became vacant following the death of Oba Adetona, Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch, bringing to a close one of the most influential reigns in the country’s traditional institution.
