Following the passing of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, attention is now gradually shifting to the selection of his successor from the Fusengbuwa ruling house.
Oba Adetona, who died at the age of 91 after a remarkable 65-year reign, was laid to rest on Monday at his Igbeba GRA residence in Ijebu-Ode, according to Islamic rites. He ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, at the young age of 26, succeeding Oba Daniel Adesanya, Gbelegbuwa II.
The late monarch hailed from the Anikilaya family, one of the royal families in Ijebu-Ode. With his burial completed, the succession process is expected to begin after a period of mourning.
The next ruling house in line to produce the Awujale is the Fusengbuwa, which comprises four branches: Jadiara, Fusengbuwa, Bubiade, and Tunwase. All four families are entitled to nominate candidates for the throne, pending government approval.
Speaking with journalists after Oba Adetona’s burial, Prince Kazeem Ahmed, Secretary of the Tunwase ruling house and Under-Secretary of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, confirmed that some family members have already shown interest in the stool.
“Even before the demise of Kabiyesi, some people had openly declared their interest. Now that the king has been buried, we will give time for mourning, which may take about three or four months,” he said.
Prince Ahmed added that interested candidates would be screened by a family committee based on character, influence, and contributions to the community, before presenting them to the kingmakers for final consideration.
Another palace chief, who preferred not to be named, advised that the issue of succession should not be rushed. He noted that Ijebuland is still mourning the exit of a revered monarch, whose leadership would be hard to match.
He, however, expressed confidence in the traditional system to produce a worthy successor who would build on Oba Adetona’s legacy of development and cultural preservation.
In the interim, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, will serve as the regent and oversee the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom. He is expected to coordinate the succession process and ensure a smooth transition.
Oba Adetona’s passage marks the end of an era, and his successor will face the task of upholding the values, reforms, and prestige the late monarch brought to the Awujale stool and the Ijebu nation.
