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As The Next Awujale Of Ijebuland
That is the big question right now on the minds of many Ijebu people. It is the most talked about issue amongst those from Ijebu-Ode and beyond.
Many are interested in knowing who will emerge as the next Awujale.
Going by the regulations, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is the next in line to be Awujale.
The ruling house is made up of 4 other main royal families.
So, the next Awujale of Ijebuland will come from the Fusengbuwa ruling house, following the rotational order outlined in the Chieftaincy declaration. This ruling house consists of 4 branches: Jadiara, Fusengbuwa, Bubiade, and Tunwase. Here’s how the selection process will go:
The Fusengbuwa ruling house will convene a meeting to nominate candidate(s) for the throne.
The nominated candidate(s) will be presented to the Odis, one of the 4 principal classes involved in the kingmaking process.
The Odis will forward the name(s) of the candidate(s) to the 13-member Council of Kingmakers, comprising chiefs from the 4 kingmaking classes.
But why is the selection taking time? Why is it slow?
City People gathered that the process of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland is taking time due to several factors.
There’s the ongoing leadership face-off within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which is next in line to produce the new Awujale. This internal conflict is causing delays in the selection process.
Three Ijebu-Ode royal families have challenged the leadership of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, sparking a court battle that needs to be resolved before proceeding with the selection.
The selection process involves traditional rituals and ceremonies, such as the beating of Gbedu drums, which signal the rightful ruling house’s readiness to present a successor. These traditional requirements must be fulfilled according to Ijebu customs and values.
The Ogun State government has assured the Fusengbuwa ruling house of a fair process, but the government needs to ensure that the selection aligns with the Obas and Chiefs Laws of Ogun State, which may contribute to the delay.
Before a new Awujale can be installed, 3 important chieftaincies—Idagirin, Apebi, and Olokobojada—need to be filled, which is another factor causing the delay.
These factors combined are contributing to the delay in selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The candidate who receives unanimous approval from the kingmakers will be declared the new Awujale.
Some notable figures from the Fusengbuwa ruling house who are likely to contest include:
Bolaji Balogun, the eldest son of Otunba Subomi Balogun. He is an investment banker and CEO of Chapel Hill Denham
Dr. Adekunle Olubola Hassan. He is a medical professional and previous head of the Fusengbuwa family
The selection process will be guided by tradition, law, and consensus, with a focus on preserving Ijebu customs and values .
Otunba Biodun Onanuga (NUGACON) is also contesting for Awujales stool.
Otunba Biodun Onanuga is a renowned businessman and Construction magnate, founder of NUGACON Construction Company. We hear the current selection process for the Awujale throne prioritizes candidates with direct blood ties to the Fusengbuwa ruling house, specifically from the male line of descent.
To be eligible for the Awujale stool, candidates must be a member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, direct descendants of Awujale Fusengbuwa, have direct blood ties. No outsiders or distant relatives are allowed to contest.
They must come from the Male line of descent: Female-line descendants may be considered if no qualified male descendant is available.
Given Onanuga’s background as a successful entrepreneur and builder, and his deep connection to the Fusengbuwa ruling house, he is clearly eligible.
Why is the Awujale stool so important some may ask.
It is because Awujale of Ijebuland stool holds significant cultural, historical, and traditional importance.
The Awujale is the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, a Yoruba kingdom in Ogun State, Nigeria. The throne is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Ijebu people.
The throne has a long history dating back centuries, with each ruler contributing to the development and growth of Ijebuland.
The Awujale serves as a unifying figure for the Ijebu people, providing leadership and guidance on cultural and traditional matters.
Awujale plays a role in promoting the welfare and development of the Ijebu community, working with government and other stakeholders to improve the lives of his subjects.
The stool represents the unity and solidarity of the Ijebu people, fostering a sense of belonging and identity among community members.
The Awujale’s role is not only ceremonial. but also influential in maintaining cultural values, resolving disputes, and promoting community development. The throne’s significance extends beyond the Ijebu kingdom, contributing to the broader cultural landscape of Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Let’s quickly tell you that Dr. Adekunle Hassan, the founder of the Eye Foundation Hospital Group, has been involved in significant community and traditional activities.
As the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the 64th coronation and 90th birthday anniversary of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Dr. Hassan played a key role in organizing the event. His contributions to the community and his leadership roles show he has the respect and recognition of the Ijebu people.
Many Ijebu people have spoken about the 90day mourning period to be observed? Is this really true?
City People comfirmed that there’s actually a 3-month mourning period observed for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, rather than 90 days. According to Prince Kazeem Ahmed, Secretary of the Tunwase ruling house and Under-Secretary of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, the mourning period may last about three to four months before the selection process for the new Awujale commences .
During this period, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, will serve as the Regent, overseeing the day-to-day administration of Ijebu land. After the mourning period, the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is next in line for the throne, will present its candidate to the 13-member Council of Ijebu Ode kingmakers for onward installation as the next king .
The new Awujale is expected to emerge around November 2025
The selection process will prioritize the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and alignment with Ijebu customs and values.
As you read this, moves are being made to reconcile all the warring factions. Otunba Owoyemi is now the Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
Tuesday, 16th September 2025, marked a significant moment in the history of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode as members of the Bubiade Royal Family paid a solidarity visit to their Olori Ebi, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, at his Idowa country home, near Ijebu-Ode.
The Fusengbuwa ruling house, from which the next Awujale of Ijebuland is expected to emerge following the eventual transition of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, welcomed the delegation led by Alhaji Olaide Yusuf and other prominent members of the Bubiade lineage.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting family, Alhaji Yusuf reaffirmed their commitment to the unity of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, pledging the readiness of the Bubiades to fully participate and contribute to the activities of the royal lineage.
In his response, Otunba Owoyemi welcomed the delegation with open arms, acknowledging the historical significance and indispensable role of the Bubiade family within the Fusengbuwa ruling structure. He assured them of transparency, fairness, and due process in the selection of candidates for the Awujale stool, stressing that only the most qualified would emerge.
The Olori Ebi further appealed for unity among all branches of the ruling house, noting that harmony and collective purpose would be vital in producing a worthy successor to the revered Awujale. He encouraged members with aspirations to the throne to declare their intentions at the appropriate time and to begin reflecting on how they could bring pride and progress to both the Fusengbuwa family and Ijebuland at large. Otunba Biodun Onanuga is from the family.
The historic meeting ended on a joyful note with group photographs involving Otunba Owoyemi, his chiefs, and the visiting Bubiade family members. The Bubiade family described the visit as a renewal of kinship and solidarity, setting the tone for greater collaboration ahead as the Fusengbuwa ruling house prepares for the future leadership of Ijebuland.
More and more members of the Funsengbuwa have been coming out to show their interest in the Awujale’s stool. One of them is Otunba Giwa Bakre Abimbola Adeleke, the Baba Egbe Obaneye Asiwaju Obinrin Akile Ijebu-Ode. He is also the Giwa Egbe Tobalase Afolagbade Akile Ijebu, and the Otunba Asoludero of Itele Kingdom. He recently came out with a Royal declaration of Service titled My Vision For The Awujale Stool.
Another contestant is successful Paper Merchant, Bayo Abdul. He is eyeing the Awujale stool, but he is a bit quiet. He has not come out to talk about it.
His response to all enquiries from friends is let us leave all in the hands of the Almighty God who crowns earthly kings. God is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
According to maestros media-online in its recent Instagram post on the issue, the race for the revered Awujale stool of Ijebu-Ode, Paramount throne of the entire Ijebu nation, has taken a stylish new twist.
“Enter Adebayo Kamal Abdul, billionaire paper merchant, society figure and unrepentant taste maker.
The brain behind Paperland (launched in 1983) & Baykam Ventures (incorporated in 1987) Bayo Abdul has quietly built an empire and a reputation that has tu rned heads since the 90s”.
Now, the man whose presence has long been the cynosure of eyes is reaching for his most historic role yet: to wear the storied Awujale crown come November 2025, God willing. Royal bloodliness that run deep. Bayo Abdul is one pretender. He is the son of the late Alhaji Rasaki Adedeji Abdul Ombo, fondly called Otun Omo Laboye, himself the son of Alhaja Ayinke (nee Fetuga).
The Fetuga royal family hails from the Okuyandewo division of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the very dynasty whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale.
So far Fusengbuwa has given Ijebuland 4 Awujales, namely:
Afidipotemole Ademuyero (1850), Atunwase Adesimbo (Tunwase) 1886, the ancestors of the late Otunba Subomi Balogun, Ogbagba Agbotewole (1895) and Adeona Fusigboye (1906).
According to the report, it Bayo Abdul emerges victorious, he would be the 5th Awujale from the Fusengbuwa line, a chapter that would weave modern success into centuries-old tradition.
