Why Ijebuland Still Waits for a New Awujale

For nearly a year, the throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland has remained empty. Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, passed away in July 2025. His departure left behind a legacy of stability. What followed has been anything but stable.

The Ogun State Government placed an indefinite suspension on the selection process, citing security concerns, public order risks, and a flood of petitions. This is the second time the government has stepped in. The first attempt in December 2025 was scrapped over statutory procedural errors. Now, the kingmakers and royal families simply wait.

At the centre of public attention stands Prince Abimbola Onabanjo. At 45 years old, he is a businessman and philanthropist from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which is next in rotation to present the new monarch. Supporters see him as a bridge between tradition and modern leadership. His recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu has further amplified conversations around his candidacy.

But the path is crowded.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House produced 95 aspirants for a single throne. The family attempted to narrow the field by enforcing a seven-generation genealogical verification form, essentially weeding out those who could not prove their lineage. Meanwhile, the rival Fidipote Ruling House has petitioned the government, arguing that Fusengbuwa missed its legal submission window and should forfeit its turn.

The crisis deepened when the Ogun State Police Command summoned nine kingmakers for allegedly accepting bribes to influence the selection. The traditional chiefs have denied the allegations, calling them distractions. Fuji icon KWAM 1 also threw his hat into the ring, but the Fusengbuwa Ruling House rejected his candidacy. His court injunction to stop the installation process was dismissed.

For the people of Ijebuland, the prolonged vacancy is more than a political drama. After all, providing cultural leadership, settling disputes, and driving community development, the Awujale stool is one of the most respected traditional institutions in Nigeria. Therefore, an empty throne creates an institutional void.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the embargo. For now, the answer remains no. And Ijebuland waits.