Five princes nominated for Awujale of Ijebuland throne

The process to appoint a new Awujale of Ijebuland has moved into a crucial phase after five princes were formally nominated by the Council of Ilamuren Kingmakers and forwarded to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for consideration.

The nominations were submitted on Thursday by the council led by the Olisa of Ijebuland, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, following deliberations conducted in accordance with the traditional and legal procedures governing succession to one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional stools.

In a letter personally signed and addressed to Governor Abiodun, Adesanya said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957 and the Customary Law regulating the selection and succession to the Awujale of Ijebuland.

The five nominees are Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya, popularly known as Eleruja, Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga and Prince Olabode Onanuga.

According to the Olisa, several meetings of the Ilamuren-in-Council were convened to examine the succession process and identify qualified candidates for the exalted traditional office.

Explaining the decision to submit multiple names, Adesanya stated that the governing declaration permits kingmakers to either unanimously select a single candidate or forward 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 we forward the five names for the choice of the State Government,” the letter stated.

Adesanya said the nominations were made after considering both the legal framework and the broader interests of Ijebu Ode and Ogun State.

“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,” he wrote.

The Awujale of Ijebuland Throne is regarded as one of the most influential traditional institutions in Yorubaland, with the occupant serving as the paramount ruler of the Ijebu people and playing a significant role in cultural preservation, community development and regional leadership.

The vacancy followed the end of the reign of the late Awujale, whose tenure was widely recognised for strengthening the prominence of Ijebuland both nationally and internationally.

His reign also witnessed significant socio-economic and cultural advancements that elevated the profile of the ancient kingdom.

Under Ogun State’s chieftaincy laws, the governor is expected to consider the recommendations of the kingmakers before taking further steps in the selection process.

The submission of the five names marks a significant milestone in the succession exercise and sets the stage for the emergence of a new monarch who will guide the affairs of Ijebuland and uphold the traditions of one of Nigeria’s most respected royal institutions.