Segun Atanda/
Questions over who succeeds the late Awujale of Ijebuland have taken on renewed public interest following Thursday’s submission of five royal candidates to the Ogun State Government and a courtesy visit by one of the leading contenders, Prince Abimbola Onabanjo, to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.
On April 12, Prince Onabanjo met President Tinubu during a courtesy visit in Lagos.
A brief Presidency statement later described the meeting as cordial, noting that discussions were held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and a shared commitment to national development.
No official reference was made to the Awujale succession, but the engagement has since drawn attention within political and traditional circles given the timing and context.
The development comes against the backdrop of an ongoing succession process for the Awujale stool, which became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025 after more than six decades on the throne.
In line with established rotation arrangements among ruling houses in Ijebuland, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is next to produce the Awujale.
The process reached a key institutional stage this week as the Ilamuren Council of Kingmakers, led by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, formally forwarded five princes to the Ogun State Government for consideration and final selection.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, and addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the kingmakers confirmed the shortlist after consultations held in line with customary law and the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 1957.
The five nominees are drawn from different royal lines and include Prince Hon. Ademorin Aliu Kuye Male of the Jadoira lineage, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adekoya of the Tunwase lineage, Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John of the Osinuga Fusengbuwa lineage, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Onanuga of the Fusengbuwa lineage, and Prince Olabode Onanuga of the Jadoira lineage.
According to the Olisa, the kingmakers reached the decision after what he described as extensive consultations aimed at reflecting the interests of Ijebu-Ode, Ijebuland and Ogun State, while also ensuring that the candidates meet the traditional and experiential requirements of the throne.
He added that the submission of multiple names was consistent with established procedure where consensus is either reached on a single candidate or several qualified princes are presented for the governor’s consideration.
With the submission now concluded, the decision shifts to the Ogun State Government, where Governor Abiodun is expected to consider the recommendations in line with established chieftaincy laws and customary processes.
Prince Abimbola Onabanjo’s inclusion among the five shortlisted princes has, however, placed him under heightened public scrutiny, especially in light of his recent engagement with President Tinubu, even as official channels maintain that the succession process remains strictly governed by tradition and law rather than political association.
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