Ijebu-Ode Begins Hunt for New Awujale, Gives Fusengbuwa Ruling House 14 Days to Nominate Candidates
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
The process to select a new Awujale of Ijebu-Ode and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland has officially commenced, following a formal notification from the Ijebu-Ode Local Government to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
In a letter dated 2nd December 2025, issued by the Executive Chairman through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, the ruling house was asked to present the name(s) of its nominated candidates for the vacant stool in line with established customs, laws and the rotational arrangement governing succession in Ijebuland.
The notification follows the recent passing of the revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland. The letter noted that the call for nomination aligns with the request received from the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, led by Otunba Abdul Lateef Adebayo Owoyeimi (Chairman), alongside other senior members of the council, including Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Chairman) and Prof. Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf (Vice Chairman).
According to the letter, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has 14 days from the date of notification to submit the nominated candidates through the office of the Executive Chairman, in line with prescribed traditional procedures.
The local government emphasized that the succession process will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in accordance with the cultural heritage of Ijebuland. The letter also highlighted that as tradition demands, on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, the Ogbeni Odi will officially carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office as part of the next phase of succession rites.
“Please accept the highest regards of the Executive Chairman,” the correspondence concluded.
Recall, Late Awujale Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona GCON died on 13 July 2025, at the age of 91.
He was buried the following day according to Muslim rites 14 July 2025 in a private ceremony at his residence in Ijebu-Ode.
With this development, the historic journey toward installing the next Awujale begins, marking a new chapter in the leadership of Ijebu-Ode and the cultural identity of Ijebuland.
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Ademola Busayo 