The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State witnessed a landmark event on Monday, January 13, 2026, as the process to select a new paramount ruler took a decisive turn. A staggering 95 princes and princesses from the royal families have been officially nominated to contest the prestigious stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
A Peaceful and Historic Nomination Process
This crucial step follows the passing of the previous monarch and sets the stage for a transparent succession. The nomination exercise was conducted in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, marked by extensive consultations with the major ruling houses, the kingmakers, and other traditional authorities.
Speaking on behalf of the Olori Ebi Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Abdul Lateef Owoyemi, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), addressed the public. He provided reassurance about the integrity of the process, stating that it would adhere strictly to tradition and allow for fairness.
Transparency and a Window for Grievances
"We have 19 days for anyone aggrieved to express their displeasure," Owoyemi declared. He confirmed that initially, 86 royals had expressed interest, and all were successfully nominated. However, an additional nine names were put forward at the venue, bringing the final tally to 95 aspirants.
"We have successfully, peacefully, and harmoniously nominated the candidates. Now, it’s in the hands of the kingmakers to do their work and select one of them for us," he added, handing over the baton to the next phase of the selection.
The Path Forward for the Throne
The responsibility now shifts to the kingmakers of Ijebuland. They are tasked with conducting a meticulous review of all 95 nominated candidates. Their role involves assessing the credentials, lineage, and suitability of each prince and princess.
Following their deliberations, the kingmakers will forward a shortlist of recommended names to the Ogun State Government for final approval. Otunba Owoyemi expressed optimism about the timeline, assuring the people that within a month, Ijebuland should have a new Awujale seated on the throne.
The Full List of Nominated Princes and Princesses
The nominated aspirants for the Awujale stool include a wide array of royal contenders. The list, as released, features:
- Prince Adetunji Adeleke
- Prince Bello Ayodeji
- Princess Oluwakemi Onanuga
- Prince Babatunde Alesinloye
- Prince Ayodeji Osibogun
- Prince Oluwatosin Osunsanya
- Prince Abimbola Onabanjo
- Prince Adekunle Adeite
- Prince Aderibigbe Morounfolu
- Prince Adekoya Onakoya
- Prince Odedina Taiwo
- Prince Gbadebo Ali Adebambo
- Prince Ogunwo Adebowale Emmanuel
- Prince Abayomi Kadiri
- Prince Hassan Adekunle Olubola
- Prince Akintola Adewunmi
- Prince Olabode Onanuga
- Prince Ayo Olugbenga
- Prince Ademorin Kuye
- Prince Olamilekan Badiru
- Prince Odubiyi Olufemi
- Prince Abdulrasheed Kukoyi
- Prince Ottun Olaseni
- Prince Kayode Adenuga
- Prince Adeleye Onanuga
- Prince Olanrewaju Mabawonku
- Prince Adeyemi Akeem
- Prince Nurudeen Akeju
- Prince Adeleke Adewale
- Prince Olaide Ashiru
- Prince Oriola Yusuf
- Prince Ajibola Odunsi
- Prince Aderibigbe Azeez
- Prince Oriola Olawale Yusuf
- Prince Fatai Adesegun Arowolo
- Prince Alatise Saheed
- Prince Bakare Adeleke
- Prince Olukokun Adedeji
- Prince Oludamisi Tuyo
- Prince Jide Taiwo
- Prince Adeyinka Bakare
- Prince Sakiru Ademola
- Prince Aderibigbe Adewunmi
- Prince Adeleye Abdul
- Prince Ademola Kazeem
- Prince Sherrifideen Kazeem
- Prince Bello Abiodun
- Prince Bashorun Akeem Adetola
- Prince Oshifuye Oduntan
- Prince Bello Tajudeen
- Prince Adegboyega Banjoko
- Prince Abdulwaheed Shote
- Prince Kama’ldeen Abdul
- Prince Odejayi Akintunde
- Prince Muideen Adeleye Adio
- Prince Olalekan Shote
- Prince Mustapha Mojeed
- Prince Adegbenga Bakare
- Prince Adebiyi Adeleye
- Prince Okeowo Olusegun Obafemi
- Prince Olumoko Qudus
- Prince Shote Kazeem Olawale
- Prince Adebowale Olufeko
- Prince Muizdeen Abimbola
- Prince Bamidele Adenuga
- Prince Ogidan Adewale
- Prince Adefuwape Adegboyega Abimbola
- Prince Oduwole Tajudeen
- Prince Adelaju Adenuga
- Prince Odedina Oluwatobi
- Prince Adekunle Adenuga
- Prince Sulaimon Odubanjo
- Prince Otun Abubakre Taiwo
- Prince Olajibu Olalekan Azeez
- Prince Abdul Olamilekan
- Prince Adeleye Adeyemi
- Prince Odedina Olukayode
- Prince Osunsanya Oladapo
- Prince Abiodun Onanuga
- Prince Muftaudeen Abimbola
- Prince Kamorudeen Lawal
- Prince Abimbola Olusegun
- Prince Tajudeen Abimbola
- Prince Hammed Babatunde
This extensive list underscores the depth of interest and the significance of the Awujale stool within the Ijebu nation.
Background: A State Focused on Traditional Order
This meticulous succession process occurs against a backdrop where the Ogun State government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, has demonstrated a firm stance on upholding the dignity of traditional institutions. In a related development, the government recently suspended Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, for six months over allegations of subjecting a chief to dehumanizing treatment.
The eyes of Nigeria are now on Ijebu-Ode as the kingmakers begin their sacred duty. The coming weeks will be critical in determining who ascends one of the most revered traditional thrones in Yorubaland, promising a new chapter for the Ijebu people.
