By Our Correspondent
The succession process for the highly revered Awujale stool has sparked intense debate across Ijebuland following the decision of the Ilamuren Council of Kingmakers (Afobajes) to submit the names of five princes to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for final consideration, instead of presenting a single candidate as tradition is widely believed to require.
The development has generated widespread reactions from stakeholders, traditionalists and concerned residents, many of whom argue that the move departs from the established customs that have guided the emergence of Awujales for generations.
In a letter addressed to Governor Abiodun and signed by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode and head of the kingmakers, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the council forwarded the names of five contenders for the throne.
The nominees are Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga and Prince Olabode Onanuga.
According to the kingmakers, their action was based on the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary procedures governing succession to the Awujale stool.
However, the decision has triggered a wave of criticism, particularly over whether the traditional Ifa consultation process produced a clear choice for the throne.
Many stakeholders maintain that the spiritual selection process traditionally identifies a single candidate regarded as the preferred choice of the oracle, making the submission of multiple names unusual and potentially controversial.
“The Ifa oracle is not known for ambiguity,” a stakeholder told our correspondent. “If tradition was followed to the letter, the expectation would be the emergence of one candidate, not five. The responsibility of identifying the chosen successor belongs to the kingmakers.”
Critics contend that forwarding five names effectively transfers the burden of selection to the state government, a move they fear could expose the process to political considerations and undermine confidence in the institution.
Observers warn that the controversy goes beyond the personalities involved and touches on the sanctity of one of Yorubaland’s most respected traditional institutions.
“This is about protecting the integrity of the Awujale institution,” another stakeholder said. “Any perception that external influences can determine the outcome risks eroding public trust in the process.”
There are also concerns that the unprecedented approach could lead to legal disputes among interested parties and set a new precedent for future succession contests in Ijebuland.
Defending the decision, Chief Adesanya explained that the kingmakers held several meetings and carefully assessed the qualifications, experience and antecedents of the contenders before arriving at the shortlist.
He noted that the relevant declaration allows the kingmakers either to unanimously select a candidate or submit 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 provision that we have forwarded the five names for the choice of the State Government,” the letter stated.
The Olisa added that the action was taken in line with the provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and in the overall interest of Ijebu-Ode.
Despite the explanation, discussions continue to dominate public discourse across Ijebuland, with many insisting that the process leading to the emergence of the next Awujale must remain firmly rooted in tradition and beyond any perception of political influence.
As anticipation builds, all eyes are now on Governor Abiodun, whose eventual decision will not only determine the next occupant of the historic throne but could also shape public confidence in the succession process and the future of one of Yorubaland’s most revered royal institutions.
