It was with great fanfare and jubilation that Otunba Olumide Atanda Osunsina emerged as the successful candidate in the final screening and nomination exercise for the selection of the next Olu of Ifoland, following the passing of the late monarch, Oba Samuel Atanda Oladipo Ayerowunwi.
The screening exercise commenced at exactly 9:00 a.m. at the Ifo Local Government Secretariat under the supervision of notable government officials, political leaders, and respected stakeholders. The exercise was chaired by Hon. Kusimo Idris Olalekan, Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The contenders for the revered stool include:-
- Otunba Olumide Atanda Osunsina, the Asoju Oba of Ifoland and Asiwaju Bobagunwa of Egbaland, a renowned businessman with global interests.
- Chief Adebesin Lawal, the Seriki of Ifoland.
- Chief Dipeolu Shofela.
- Chief Shobogun Adeolu.
- Chief Tinuosho Saheed.
In addition, Baale Fasanya Adesoji Mathew (Asuje), who was among the six candidates shortlisted during the first screening stage, voluntarily withdrew from the race after the initial selection process was also in attendance
The officials present at the screening include:-
– Mr. T. J. Ekemode; – Mr. Kunle Adebowale; – Mrs. Akinsanya Motunrayo; – Mrs. Akinola Iyabo; – Mr. Adeyemi Emmanuel; – Mrs. Bolarinwa Joke; – Mrs. Amusan Rebecca and – Mr. Folarin Temitope
Also present were the five Kingmakers of Ifoland, who were entrusted with the responsibility of selecting a credible candidate for the royal stool:
– Chief Taoreed Adisa Adeyemi The Balogun of Ifoland
– Chief Mutiu Ogunjimi – Otun of Ifoland
– Chief Soliu Olalekan – Osi of Ifoland
– Chief Dende Adelanwa Ekerin of Ifoland
– Chief Francis Tunji Adedayo
– Jagunmolu of Ifoland
The selection process has been widely described as one of the most transparent, organised, and unbiased exercises ever conducted for the stool of Ifoland. At the conclusion of the exercise, Otunba Olumide Atanda Osunsina was unanimously adjudged the successful candidate and elected as the next Olu of Ifoland.
With his emergence, Otunba Olumide Osunsina is set to become the third Olu of Ifoland since the establishment of the traditional stool. The first monarch, Oba Gabriel Olu-Omo, hailed from the Egba Gbagura section of Egbaland and reigned between 1997 to 2003, while the late Oba Samuel Atanda Oladipo Ayerowunwi hailed from the Egba Oke-Ona section and reigned between March 2005 to September 2025. Otunba Olumide Osunsina, who hails from Egba Ake of Egbaland represents another recognised ruling section entitled to produce candidates for the stool of Olu of Ifoland.
This development is also regarded as a testament to the enduring legacy of the late Oba Gabriel Olu-Omo, who tirelessly fought for the establishment and recognition of the Olu of Ifoland stool. His contributions remain indelibly written in the history of Ifoland and will never be forgotten.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Kusimo Idris Olalekan, urged all contestants and stakeholders to embrace peace, unity, and love, while supporting the elected candidate in the interest of the continued growth and development of Ifoland.
Speaking after the whole process, the King’s maker and well-meaning indigene later moved to his family’s house for a short prayer. Immediately, Otunba and the chiefs left Ifo council of chiefs, where Otunba Olumide Osunsina expressed his profound appreciation to the Kingmakers, stakeholders, supporters, and the people of Ifoland for their confidence in his leadership. He pledged to pursue meaningful development and progress across all sectors of the community.
The Ogun State Government is expected, in due course, to officially announce his appointment, conduct the installation rites, and present him with the Staff of Office as the duly recognised Olu of Ifoland.
Ace Media
