Awujale stool: How Tinubu’s interest stalling announcement of new Oba’s designate

The currently vacant Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland stool might not be occupied soon as anticipated by the Ijebus, after reports revealed that the vested interest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stalled the announcement of Oba’s Designate by the Ogun State government.

Recall that the Awujale’s Stool became vacant when Oba (Dr). Sikiru Kayode Adetona, joined his ancestors on the 13th July, 2025.

Initial reports had revealed that the President had told the Governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun that he had no interest in who becomes the Awujale of Ijebuland.

However, it was gathered that the royal family that is in turn to produce the Awujale has over 60 candidates, revealed by the Deputy Olori Ebi of Fusegbuwa Ruling House in person of Prof. Fassy Yusuf, making it difficult for them to unanimously present their genuine candidate(s) for the Awujale stool.

The development earns the ruling house an indefinite suspension by the Ogun State Government, due to corruption and bribery allegations against the Olori Ebi council of the Fusegbuwa Ruling House.

A source privy to ongoing politicking in who becomes the new Awujale said: “The Ogun state Governor had earlier discussed with President Bola Tinubu if he has interest in who becomes the Awujale of Ijebuland. The President said he has no interest, that the oracle (Ifa) should decide.

“But when the president came for the Eyo festival in Lagos, the governor still met with the President and further asked if he had interests. It was at this point that the President signified interest of an anonymous candidate. However rumor had it that the President candidate is Hon. Ademorin Kuye, a current member of Federal House of Representatives, who have been claiming he is the President choice for the Awujale stool.

“That the President said since Dapo Abiodun didn’t appoint his candidate as a commissioner, he can’t announce his own candidate as the Awujale. Which is generally believed that Dr. Kunle Hassan, a renowned ophthalmic surgeon is Governor Dapo Abiodun’s preferred candidate for the Awujale stool. Hence the delay. He then told the governor, that since he didn’t have his candidate as a commissioner, he cannot announce his own candidate too as Awujale, else the governor will not find it funny.

“The ruling house that is supposed to present the Oba designate has over 60 candidates, which the 14 days ultimatum given to them elapsed. Based on this it’s also believed that the family have constitutionally lost their turn, since they could not come up with a consensus candidate.

“It was against this background that the governor got stocked to continue the process of the Oba’s designate to another ruling house. But he had to delay the announcement because of the President’s political interest.”