By Peter Omopo
24th August 2025
The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has begun spiritual preparations for the selection of a new Awujale following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
On Saturday, members of the ruling house held a prayer session at Ile Nla Agunsebi, their ancestral home, to honour past monarchs and seek divine direction in the succession process. The gathering, presided over by the head of the ruling house, High Chief Ola Adedokun Ajidagba, was attended by over 200 princes and princesses, including nearly 300 members who had previously distanced themselves from the family but were formally reintegrated.
Oba Adetona, who died on July 13 at the age of 91, reigned for 65 years, making him the longest-serving Awujale in history.
Speaking at the event, Ajidagba stressed that the ceremony symbolised reconciliation and unity within the family, adding that the Fusengbuwa line has produced 25 Awujales in the past. He warned against attempts to manipulate the succession process, insisting that only legitimate descendants of the Fusengbuwa house were eligible.
Prince Folu Ogidan Aderibigbe, another family elder, advised that the next Awujale should be development-oriented, aged between 45 and 60, and committed to the long-standing agitation for the creation of Ijebu State.
The process of selecting a new monarch is expected to begin formally in the coming weeks.
