The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, has released the names of 95 aspirants seeking to occupy the vacant Awujale stool, the highest traditional seat in Ijebuland.
The prestigious position became vacant following the death of Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025. The late monarch ruled for an unprecedented 65 years, making him one of the longest-reigning traditional rulers in Nigeria.
The list of contenders was unveiled during a nomination meeting held in Ijebu-Ode on Monday. According to the ruling house, the selection process formally commenced about three months ago.
Among those vying for the throne are notable personalities, including a respected ophthalmic surgeon, Dr Adekunle Hassan; Prince Fatai Adesegun, joint chairman of ARON Construction Nigeria Limited; and Otunba Abiodun Onanuga, husband of a former deputy governor of Ogun State.
Out of the 95 aspirants, 94 are princes, while only one female, Princess Oluwakemi Onanuga, has indicated interest in the revered stool.
Speaking at the meeting, the Olori Ebi and Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, described the gathering as historic, noting that such a nomination meeting had not taken place in nearly a century. Owoyemi, a former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), expressed confidence that the ruling house would successfully produce the 60th Awujale of Ijebuland at the conclusion of the process.
He explained that all nominated names would be forwarded to the kingmakers for the next stage of screening, marking a critical step toward the emergence of a new paramount ruler for Ijebuland.
