The process of selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland has taken a significant step forward as the Ilamuren kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have formally approved and forwarded the names of five princes to Governor Dapo Abiodun for consideration and final selection.
The development follows the commencement of succession arrangements to fill the revered traditional stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, one of the most prestigious traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria. The kingmakers, led by the Olisa of Ijebuland and Head of the Ilamuren-in-Council, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, conveyed the decision in an official letter addressed to the Ogun State Governor. According to the letter, the nomination process was conducted in accordance with Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary laws governing the selection and succession of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
The five princes nominated by the kingmakers are Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya, popularly known as Eleruja, Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga.
Chief Adesanya explained that, in his capacity as the royal authority over the Ilamuren-in-Council and Head of Kingmakers, he convened a series of meetings to deliberate on the emergence of a suitable candidate for the highly revered throne. He stated that the declaration regulating the succession process provides that the kingmakers must either unanimously agree on a single candidate or submit the names of preferred candidates to the state government for final consideration and selection.
“The Declaration provides that all the kingmakers must unanimously pick one candidate or send preferred candidates of the kingmakers to the State Government for final choice. In this regard, we would like to forward the five names to the Government for your review,” the letter stated. The Olisa further disclosed that all relevant documents, including the declaration made under the Chiefs Law and the customary provisions regulating succession to the Awujale stool, were attached to the correspondence sent to the governor.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Adesanya said the nomination of the five princes was guided by the need to protect the overall interests of Ijebu-Ode and ensure strict compliance with the chieftaincy laws of Ogun State. According to him, the nominated princes possess the pedigree, experience, and leadership qualities required to occupy the exalted position and contribute meaningfully to the development of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.
“I have also considered the overall interests of Ijebu Ode and the Chieftaincy law of Ogun State, and to forestall the process of nominations and hence the recommendations of five qualified princes whose antecedents and experience will bring the exalted position to greater achievements for Ijebu land, Ogun State, and Nigeria,” he stated. The kingmaker also expressed optimism about the future of the state and the traditional institution, praying for continued peace, progress, and prosperity in Ogun State and Ijebuland.
The submission of the five names marks a crucial phase in the succession process, with attention now shifting to the Ogun State Government, which is expected to review the recommendations and take the next constitutional step toward the emergence of a new Awujale. The Awujale of Ijebuland occupies a prominent place among Nigeria’s traditional rulers and serves as the paramount ruler of the Ijebu people. The stool has historically played a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage, unity, and socio-economic development of Ijebuland, making the selection of a new monarch a matter of immense public interest both within and beyond Ogun State.
