Awujale Race Resumes as Kingmakers Send 5 Names to Ogun Govt

The process for the selection of the New Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State, has resumed as the council of ilamuren kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode, led by the Olisa, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, has nominated five princes for the throne.

The nomination of the princes, was contained in a letter dated April 14, 2026 and addressed to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

The State Government had earlier this year suspended the process for the appointment of the new king for the throne vacated by the Late Oba SikiruKayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors last year.

In the letter signed by the Olisa, he said the kingmakers acted under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, and the Customary Law regulating the selection and succession to the Awujale of ljebuland.

The letter listed the nominees as Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince IsiaqAyodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga.

The Olisa explained that he, being the royal authority over the Ilamuren in Council and Head of Kingmakers convened several meetings to consider the selection of the new Awujale.

The letter read: “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. It is in pursuance of that we forward the five names for the choice of the State Government.

“I attach herewith the declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, and the Customary Law regulating the selection to the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy.

“I have also considered the overall interests of ljebu 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 ljebu land, Ogun State and Nigeria.

“I pray for the prosperity of the Government and people of Ogun State and wish for the enduring greatness of ljebuland.”

However, an a source close to the Fusengbuwa ruling house, the next in line to produce the next Awujale, said though the five princes purpotedly picked by the Council of Ilamuren were among the 95 princes and a princess earlier nominated earlier by the ruling house, but added that the state government was yet to lift the suspension slammed on the selection process of Awujale.

The source expressed concern that the Ilamuren may be acting in illegality and in defiance of state government directive, describing the action of the kingmakers as of no effect.