The Ilamuren Council of Kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode, led by the Olisa, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, has approved the nomination of five princes for the vacant Awujale throne and forwarded their names to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for final selection.
In a letter personally signed by the Olisa and addressed to the governor, the kingmakers said they acted under *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:
1. Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye
2. Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja)
3. Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John
4. Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga
5. Prince Olabode Onanuga
–“We forward 5 names for government’s choice”–
![](https://www.theconclaveng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hartland.png")
The Olisa, who serves as royal authority over the Ilamuren Council and head of the kingmakers, said he convened several meetings to deliberate on the selection of a new Awujale following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.
According to the letter, the chieftaincy declaration requires kingmakers to either unanimously pick one candidate or submit preferred candidates to the state government for final choice.
“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 5 names for the choice of the State Government,” the letter reads.
The Olisa attached the official declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, alongside the Customary Law regulating selection to the Awujale stool.
–Focus on Ijebu-Ode’s interest–
He explained that the recommendations were made after considering the overall interests of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State’s chieftaincy law, and the need to forestall protracted disputes in the nomination process.
“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 5 qualified princes whose antecedents and experience will bring the exalted position to greater achievements for Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria,” he wrote.
The Olisa concluded with prayers for the prosperity of Ogun State and the enduring greatness of Ijebuland.
—Next step–
With the list now in the governor’s hands, the Ogun State Government will review the nominees against the chieftaincy declaration before announcing the 21st Awujale of Ijebuland. The throne became vacant in August 2025 after the death of Oba Adetona, Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch.
