The Council of Ilamuren kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode has submitted the names of five princes to the Ogun State government for consideration in the process of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The nomination, contained in a letter addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and signed by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, followed deliberations by the kingmakers in accordance with existing chieftaincy regulations and customary procedures.
According to the council, the action was taken pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary laws governing succession to the prestigious Awujale stool.
The five nominees forwarded to the state government are Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga.
Explaining the decision, the Olisa said the kingmakers held a series of meetings to examine the process of choosing a successor and subsequently agreed to transmit the names to the government for final consideration.
He noted that the relevant declaration guiding the selection process permits either a unanimous choice by all kingmakers or the forwarding of preferred candidates to the state government for a final decision.
“The Declaration provides that all the kingmakers must unanimously pick one candidate or send preferred candidates of the kingmakers to the state government for final choice. It is in pursuance of that that we forward the five names for the choice of the state government,” the letter stated.
Adesanya added that copies of the declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary law regulating the selection of the Awujale of Ijebuland were attached to the correspondence.
The kingmakers’ leader said the recommendations were made after considering the overall interests of Ijebu-Ode, the provisions of Ogun State’s chieftaincy laws, and the need to ensure capable leadership for the revered traditional institution.
He expressed confidence that the nominees possess the experience and pedigree required to advance the interests of Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
“I have also considered the overall interests of Ijebu Ode and the Chieftaincy law of Ogun State, and to forestall the process of nominations and, hence, the recommendations of five qualified princes whose antecedents and experience will bring the exalted position to greater achievements for Ijebu land, Ogun State and Nigeria,” the letter added.
The Olisa further prayed for continued progress and prosperity for Ogun State and its people while expressing hope for the enduring greatness of Ijebuland.
However, the development has sparked concerns within the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is next in line to produce the next Awujale.
A source familiar with the succession process said the five nominees were among the 95 princes and one princess earlier presented by the ruling house for consideration.
The source quoted by the Nation newspaper maintained that the Ogun State Government had yet to lift the suspension imposed on the Awujale selection process, raising questions about the legitimacy of the kingmakers’ latest action.
According to the source, the Council of Ilamuren may have acted prematurely and contrary to the state government’s directive, potentially opening a new chapter of controversy in the race to fill the revered traditional stool.
The development is expected to generate further debate as stakeholders await the state government’s next move on the succession process.
