The passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, marked the end of a historic era in Yoruba traditional leadership. The revered monarch, who ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, at the age of 26, reigned for an extraordinary 65 years. He was buried on Monday at his Igbeba GRA residence in Ijebu Ode, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Oba Adetona hailed from the Anikilaya family, one of the royal houses in Ijebu Ode. With his burial concluded, focus has now shifted to the process of selecting his successor.
According to the established rotation, the next Awujale will emerge from the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which comprises four royal families: Jadiara (the oldest), Fusengbuwa, Bubiade, and Tunwase. These families are eligible to present candidates once the Ogun State Government formally initiates the succession process.
Sources within the ruling house have confirmed that interested individuals had already begun discreet campaigns long before the monarch’s passing. Speaking to The PUNCH, Prince Kazeem Ahmed, Secretary of the Tunwase ruling house and Under-Secretary of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, revealed that the process would intensify after the mourning period.
“We have four royal houses, Jadiara, Fusengbuwa, Bubiade, and Tunwase. After mourning our revered king, which may last about three to four months, individuals from these families who wish to contest for the throne will begin to formally express their interest,” Prince Ahmed explained.
He noted that while several aspirants had made their ambitions known informally, the royal family would carry out a thorough screening to assess their character, community influence, and suitability for the throne. A shortlist of candidates will then be presented to the kingmakers.
“Many don’t want a prolonged interregnum, so in my opinion, after four months of mourning, the process should commence fully. The family committee will carefully vet all aspirants before presenting a final list to the kingmakers,” he added.
However, another senior palace chief, who spoke anonymously, cautioned against rushing the succession process. He emphasized that the people of Ijebu land were still in deep mourning and should be allowed time to grieve the passing of a monarch widely respected for his leadership, wisdom, and developmental legacy.
He also stressed the importance of choosing a worthy successor who can uphold and build upon the achievements of the late Oba Adetona. “The next Awujale must be someone who will sustain the developmental strides of the late king. The system will not permit just anyone to ascend the throne,” he affirmed.
In the interim, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, will serve as the regent, overseeing the day-to-day administration of Ijebu land. As the most senior traditional chieftaincy title holder after the Awujale, Kuku will also play a pivotal role in guiding the selection process for the next monarch.
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