Monday, July 13, marked exactly one year since the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the paramount ruler of Ijebuland. The monarch, who served for 65 years, died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 and was interred the following day in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Born in 1934, Oba Adetona was presented with the staff of office at 26. In 2024, he received the GCON national honour from President Bola Tinubu. Since his death, the Fusengbuwa ruling house has seen 95 individuals, including a princess, vie for the stool. Notable candidates include Dr. Kunle Hassan and Abiodun Onanuga. Controversy arose when Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM1, sought to participate, though he was dismissed by the family for lacking eligibility. He subsequently took legal action to stall the process.
The Ogun State Government has repeatedly halted and resumed the selection exercise. In January 2026, the state suspended the process indefinitely, citing security concerns and allegations of bribery involving the kingmakers. Despite multiple calls from the ruling house and the kingmakers to lift the suspension, the position remains vacant, leaving the 2026 Ojude Oba festival to proceed without an Awujale.
Regarding a leaked letter purportedly nominating five candidates, the government and the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, have disassociated themselves from the document, confirming that the selection process remains officially suspended. Years before his death, Oba Adetona had cautioned against politicizing the succession, urging kingmakers to prioritize a candidate who would avoid regressing the progress of Ijebuland.
