The vacant Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland stool may remain unoccupied longer than expected, following claims that vested political interests linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have stalled the announcement of an Oba-designate by the Ogun State Government.
Investigations revealed that the delay, which has generated growing concern among the Ijebu people, is connected to behind-the-scenes politicking over who eventually ascends the revered Awujale stool. Sources indicated that President Tinubu had initially informed Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, that he had no preference regarding the choice of the new Awujale and that the traditional process, including divination, should prevail.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, ending one of the longest and most influential reigns in Nigeria’s traditional institution.
However, complications reportedly arose from the Fusegbuwa Ruling House, which is next in line to produce the Awujale. According to the Deputy Olori Ebi of the ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, the family has more than 60 eligible candidates, a situation that made it difficult to reach a consensus on whom to present. This development allegedly led to the indefinite suspension of the Fusegbuwa Ruling House by the Ogun State Government over allegations of corruption and bribery within the Olori Ebi council.
A source familiar with the unfolding political dynamics said the situation became more complicated after renewed engagements between the governor and the president. According to the source: “The Ogun state Governor had earlier discussed with President Bola Tinubu if he has interest in who becomes the Awujale of Ijebuland. The President said he has no interest, that the oracle (Ifa) should decide.
“But when the president came for the Eyo festival in Lagos, the governor still met with the President and further asked if he had interests. It was at this point that the President signified interest of an anonymous candidate. However rumours had it that the President’s candidate is Hon. Ademorin Kuye, a current member of the Federal House of Representatives, who has been claiming he is the President’s choice for the Awujale stool.
“That the President said since Dapo Abiodun didn’t appoint his candidate as a commissioner, he can’t announce his own candidate as the Awujale. Which is generally believed that Dr. Kunle Hassan, a renowned ophthalmic surgeon is Governor Dapo Abiodun’s preferred candidate for the Awujale stool. Hence the delay. He then told the governor, that since he didn’t have his candidate as a commissioner, he cannot announce his own candidate too as Awujale, else the governor will not find it funny.
“The ruling house that is supposed to present the Oba designate has over 60 candidates, which the 14 days ultimatum given to them elapsed. Based on this it’s also believed that the family have constitutionally lost their turn, since they could not come up with a consensus candidate.
“It was against this background that the governor got stuck to continue the process of the Oba’s designate to another ruling house. But he had to delay the announcement because of the President’s political interest.”
As the delay persists, traditional leaders and residents of Ijebuland continue to await official clarification from the Ogun State Government, amid concerns that political considerations are overshadowing established customs and processes surrounding the selection of the Awujale.
