The appointment of a new Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland may not take place until mid-November 2025, following the mandatory traditional processes outlined in the kingdom’s chieftaincy declaration.
According to Ogun State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the state government will approve whichever candidate the Ijebu Ode Council of Kingmakers presents, as required by law.
Fasi Yusuf, spokesman for the Awujale’s Palace, stressed that the declaration must be fully respected, noting it stipulates a three-month mourning period managed by the Ijebu Ode Regency Council.
The Regency Council is led by Ogbeni Oja Chief Sunny Kuku, while the Olosha of Ijebu remains under suspension for previously claiming the title.
Following the mourning, the next Awujale is to be chosen from the Fusegbuwa Ruling House. If several princes express interest, the family submits all names to the 13-member kingmaker council, which consults traditional oracles before selecting the monarch.
Potential candidates include Prince Bolaji Surubomi Balogun, a senior finance executive whose father once aspired to the throne, and veteran journalist Fasi Yusuf, who has served the palace for decades. “If the kingmakers find me worthy, I would serve,” Yusuf told Newsmen.
Rumours linking Fuji star KWAM-1 to the throne were dismissed, as he is from the Fidipote Ruling House, which is not next in line.
Sources emphasised that the selection process aims to uphold tradition and ensure stability, mirroring the careful process that led to the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s historic reign.