Awujale’s Stool Hopeful: The Oloriebi Factor, Kingmakers’ Sacred Duty, and the Expectations of Ijebus Worldwide
The entire Ijebu Nation—at home and abroad—remains on high alert as the process to select the next Awujale of Ijebuland unfolds.
The passing of the revered monarch, Alayeluwa Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ogbagba Agbaotewole II, has left not only a legacy of exceptional leadership but also a towering standard for whoever aspires to occupy the exalted stool.
Oba Adetona did more than reign; he transformed the Awujale institution, elevating its prestige, influence, and global recognition. Therefore, choosing his successor is not just a traditional procedure—it is a historic responsibility that demands clarity, integrity, courage, and unshakeable adherence to due process.
Heightened expectations and the Late Monarch’s warning actually deserves to be taken seriously.
Across Ijebuland and the global diaspora, many expect renewed direction, fairness, and improvement in areas where some subjects had concerns during the late monarch’s tenure. Complementing this expectation is a crucial reminder: the late Oba SK Adetona categorically warned the Kingmakers against monetizing or politicizing the process, urging them to uphold the sanctity of tradition above all else.
This moral instruction has now become a guiding voice echoing over the ongoing process.
Conspiracy Theories, Oloriebi Dynamics, and Genealogical counter claims are daily dangerously raising its head over these past months. Hence, the journey to selecting a new Awujale has not been without turbulence. Reports of shifting alliances, certain Oloriebi positions, and the involvement of desperate princes and princesses have generated complex genealogical claims that now require rigorous verification.
Many Ijebus fear that without proper scrutiny, pretenders, impostors, or historically disconnected claimants may stage their way into contention—an outcome that would bring embarrassment to the kingdom.
This concern is further intensified by alleged infiltration of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, where the next Awujale must emerge from.
Other Awujale's Stool Ruling Houses, though not directly involved in the final nomination for this dispensation, insist that the integrity of the selection process affects the entire Ijebu race and therefore cannot be left unchecked.
How can the process be made more credible, is the request of all stakeholders globally
To ensure an outcome that honors the ancestors and satisfies the global Ijebu Community, the following steps are critical:
1. Transparent Genealogical Verification
A panel of independent historians, genealogists, and respected traditional scholars should authenticate every claim before candidates are considered.
2. Strict Adherence to the Ijebu Chieftaincy Declaration
The written tradition must override emotional, political, or monetary influence.
3. Zero Government Interference
Government should observe, not influence. The Ijebu monarchy is ancient, independent, and capable of its own internal regulation.
4. Public Communication from the Kingmakers
Regular updates—without revealing sacred details—would reassure the public that the process is not hijacked.
5. Community and Diaspora Oversight
Elders, opinion leaders, and diaspora bodies must serve as moral watchdogs, ensuring fidelity to tradition.
6. Sanctions for Manipulation Attempt
Any Prince, Chief, or external actor found to be bribing, coercing, or manipulating the system should be sanctioned and disqualified.
Voices of concern: sample reactions from Local and International Stakeholders
Local Stakeholders
Chief Adebayo Ogunyemi (Ijebu-Ode)
“This stool is not for sale. We cannot allow a few individuals to soil the legacy of Oba Adetona. The Kingmakers must rise above sentiments.”
Dr. Kemi Adekoya (Ago-Iwoye)
“Whosoever emerges must be someone whose lineage is unquestionable. We are watching. The world is watching.”
Ijebu Youth Forum Statement
“Young people across Ijebuland insist on a transparent process. No moneybags should dictate our future.”
Diaspora Reactions
Morenike Morenike Renny Alebiosu
“This process must be above manipulation. The Awujale stool is not a political trophy—it is our heritage. Anyone with fake genealogy should step aside.”
Adebayo Adeneye-Adejuwon
“We will not tolerate infiltration of the Fusengbuwa House. Let the true sons come forward; pretenders must bow out. The Kingmakers must stand firm.”
Yetunde Salami – U.S. (Ijebu Association of North America)
“Even from abroad, we are fully aware of the controversies. We stand strongly against political interference or bribery.”
Prince Adeoye Adesanya – U.K.
“Too many people are suddenly claiming ancestry. The elders must tackle this genealogical confusion with wisdom.”
Adeniran Osifeso – South Africa
“The global image of Ijebuland depends on this decision. The next Awujale must be credible, cultured, and historically rooted.”
Ijebu Global Roundtable – Canada
“The Awujale stool is a global institution today. The credibility of the next occupant must be beyond dispute.”
Conclusion: A Sacred Responsibility
The selection of the next Awujale is not merely a ceremonial transition—it is the continuation of one of Africa’s most respected monarchical legacies. With emotions high, expectations global, and scrutiny intense, the Kingmakers and Oloriebi custodians must rise to the moment with courage, transparency, and devotion to truth.
The world is watching, not out of curiosity, but out of respect for the stool Oba Adetona elevated to global prominence.
Report by Femi Mebude
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