The next Awujale of Ijebuland is expected to emerge from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, in line with the rotational chieftaincy system outlined in the Western State Chieftaincy Declarations issued under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957.
These declarations serve as the legal framework governing the selection of the Awujale, the traditional ruler of the Ijebu people, and establish the four ruling houses entitled to produce candidates: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote.
Following the demise of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who hailed from the Anikinaiya House and reigned for 65 years, the Fusengbuwa House is next in line. Oba Adetona, the 55th Awujale, died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 and was buried according to Islamic rites at his Igbeba residence.
The process to select his successor is expected to begin before the end of 2025. According to the declarations, the process starts with a family meeting convened by the head(s) of the ruling house, where a candidate or candidates are nominated and presented to the Odis. The final decision lies with the kingmakers.
The kingmakers, 13 in total, are drawn from four principal chieftaincy classes in Ijebu-Ode: Ilamuren, Odi, Osugbo, and Pampa.
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The Ilamuren class includes six chiefs: the Olisa, Ogbeni-Oja, Egbo, Apebi, Olotufore, and Olotu-Olowa.
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The Odi class has two members: the Ogbeni-Odi-Imesi and Ekeji-Odi-Iletu.
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The Osugbo class includes the Oliwo.
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The Pampa class consists of the Agbon, Kakanfo, Lapoekun, and Balogun.
The law guiding the chieftaincy process ensures continuity and equity among the ruling houses and affirms the cultural heritage of the Ijebu people. In 2022, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun signed into law a provision affirming traditional rulers’ rights to choose burial rites based on their religious beliefs, strengthening the legal protection for royal customs.
With preparations underway, the selection of the next Awujale will be closely watched across Ijebuland and beyond.
