The succession to the Awujale stool in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, has entered a highly controversial phase following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who ruled for 65 years.
Recent reports suggest that the council of chiefs intends to disqualify six leading aspirants from consideration, many of whom are senior palace chiefs (otunbas) and members of the Omo-Oba, the official royal lineage.
Observers describe this move as unprecedented, controversial, and highly problematic, raising serious questions about fairness, transparency, and adherence to customary law.
The Awujale throne is traditionally rotated among four recognized ruling houses, Anikinaiya, Fidipote, Fusengbuwa, and Gbelegbuwa. This rotation is designed to ensure equitable representation among royal lineages, and eligibility is strictly confined to male descendants of these houses, consistent with Yoruba kingship traditions.
The Ogun State Chiefs Law of 1957, as well as subsequent government chieftaincy declarations, codify these rules. Historically, succession disputes in Ijebu-Ode have rarely involved mass disqualification. Past disagreements were typically limited to single houses or individual candidates, often resolved through consultation with kingmakers, palace elders, and state authorities.
The proposal to disqualify six aspirants at once represents a marked departure from this practice and risks undermining centuries of tradition. Sources indicate that three prominent chiefs, Kakanfo, Madasa, and Lapoekun may have attempted to influence interregnum members and other kingmakers in favor of selected candidates.
Allegations include undue pressure and inducements, which, if substantiated, could compromise the integrity of the succession process. The Ogun State government has reportedly received petitions regarding these activities and may take steps to exclude implicated chiefs from the official kingmakers’ list for 2026.
Even so, the disqualification of six aspirants, many of whom are senior otunbas like Hassan, Onanuga, and Osibogun remains highly contentious. Critics argue that the grounds cited, including age (ranging from 65 to 78 years) or procedural technicalities, are arbitrary and insufficient to justify exclusion.
These individuals are considered integral to the administration of the palace and preservation of institutional memory, making their disqualification particularly concerning.
The Awujale stool carries national significance. Late Oba Adetona maintained close relationships with prominent political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is reported to value a successor exhibiting integrity, focus, and respect for tradition.
Tinubu’s interest is heightened by personal family ties to Ijebu-Isonyin, emphasizing the importance of selecting a candidate capable of upholding both the stool’s dignity and local governance stability.
Any attempt to arbitrarily disqualify multiple aspirants risks national scrutiny, potential legal challenges, and erosion of trust in traditional institutions. Observers note that transparent adherence to the rotational system and statutory requirements is essential to maintaining stability, legitimacy, and public confidence in the succession process.
The idea of disqualifying six key aspirants simultaneously is unprecedented and arguably absurd, representing a sharp departure from both historical practice and legal precedent. Preserving the Awujale stool’s integrity requires fair, transparent, and lawful procedures that respect the rights of eligible candidates from recognized ruling houses.
For the Ijebu community and Nigeria at large, ensuring that the selection process is free from undue influence, arbitrary exclusions, or partisan manipulation is critical. The legitimacy of the Awujale throne and the stability of traditional governance in Ijebu-Ode depends on it. Jamal Christopher Ogunlade writes from Jos.
