The race to succeed the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona has intensified significantly today, Monday, 12 January 2026, as a total of 95 princes and princesses from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House formally indicated interest in the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
The massive turnout was disclosed during the official nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall (Bisi Rodipe Hall) in the GRA area of Ijebu-Ode. This follows the recent clearance from the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to resume the selection process after a brief suspension due to procedural errors.
The meeting, presided over by the Olori Ebi (Head) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (a former ICAN President), marked the formal commencement of the selection phase.
While earlier estimates in late 2025 suggested around 60 aspirants, the number surged to 95 by the time of today’s plenary.
Otunba Owoyemi stated that names of candidates who pass the initial internal screening will be forwarded to the Afobajes (Kingmakers).
The Kingmakers will eventually select a single name to forward to Governor Dapo Abiodun for final ratification and announcement.
Key figures in attendance included Deputy Olori Ebi Otunba Ajidagba and the Ruling House Chairman, Chief Fassy Yusuf.
Notably, the high-profile bid by legendary Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1) has also continued to draw significant attention.
Just 24 hours ago, KWAM 1, through his lawyer, Wahab Shittu (SAN), penned a letter to Governor Abiodun alleging an “attempted disenfranchisement.” He challenged the ruling house’s use of a “screening committee” and “delegates,” arguing these methods are not recognized by the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration.
The Ruling House maintains that all aspirants must first complete a “Royal Lineage Data Form” to prove their legitimacy before they can be considered for nomination.
The Awujale stool rotates among four major ruling houses. Following the 65-year reign of the late Oba Adetona (from the Anikinaiya house), it is now the turn of the Fusengbuwa house to produce the monarch.
| Ruling House | Status |
| Anikinaiya | Most recent (Late Oba Adetona) |
| Fusengbuwa | Current (Selection Ongoing) |
| Fidipote | Next in Line |
| Gbelegbuwa | Fourth in Rotation |
Heavy security was reported around the GRA axis of Ijebu-Ode today to ensure the nomination meeting proceeded without disruption. The Ijebu-Ode Local Government sent representatives to attend strictly as observers, ensuring that the process remains legally sound to prevent a “floodgate of litigation.”
“The Awujale throne is a sacred trust. We are looking for a candidate who combines royal heritage with the vision to drive Ijebuland’s economic and cultural growth in this new era.” – Chief Fassy Yusuf, Ruling House Chairman.
