Otunba Dr. Adekunle Hassan Throws Hat into Awujale Throne Ring at Jadiara Ruling House
Ijebu Land, November 9, 2025 – In a highly anticipated move, Otunba Dr. Adekunle Hassan, Chairman of the Eye Foundation, officially declared his candidacy for the prestigious Awujale of Ijebu Land throne at the Jadiara Ruling House at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The event drew notable dignitaries, including Alaiyeluwa Oba Prof. Titi Hassan (Elesugbon of Esugbon), HRH Oba J.A Osunsami (Aladeken of Oke Ako), and Chief Prof. Fassy Yusuf (Olori Ebi, Fusengbuwa Ruling House), Otunba Akinola Odedina and Pastor Bolarinwa Salami, Elders of the House, Women and Youth Wing of the Odedina Ruling House at Gboburo Compound.
In his address, Otunba Dr. Hassan highlighted his longstanding relationship with the late Awujale, his contributions to healthcare via The Eye Foundation Hospital in Ilese Ijebu
He equally talks about his contribution to other notable projects in the state , like how himself and the Board changed the dwedling fortunes of the Ogun State Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, his impact in Community development and Ijebuland as integral member of Otunbas and subsequently pledged to renovate the Jadiara Family House and Meeting hall where the event is taken place presently.
According to him during his declaration of interest towards the upcoming Awujale's Stool selection "We seek divine guidance and communal support in this bid," he said.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House threw its weight behind Otunba Hassan, with Chief Prof. Fassy Yusuf declares full support in the Ijebu dialect.
Otunba Akinola Odedina and Pastor Bolarinwa Salami echoed unity within the Jadiara Royal House., while the Youths presented customized Vests to dignitaries, pledging 100% backing.
When asked about his impact on Ijebu Land, Otunba Hassan cited free eye care for traditional rulers (including the Oba of Ijebu-Ife) and the 12-acre land gift for The Eye Foundation Hospital.
The event concluded with heartfelt thanks from Otunba Dr. Hassan to attendees. The Jadiara Ruling House is part of the Fusengbuwa lineage, next in line for the Awujale throne.
Otunba Dr. Adekunle Hassan Declares Candidacy for Awujale of Ijebuland Throne
In a significant development, renowned ophthalmic surgeon and Chairman of Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation, Otunba Dr. Adekunle Hassan, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the prestigious Awujale of Ijebuland throne. The declaration took place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Jadiara Hall, Odedina Compound, Ijebu Ode, amidst a gathering of esteemed dignitaries and royal family members.
Welcoming attendees, Prince Akinola Odedina, Olori-Ebi of Jadiara Royal Family, commended the family's unity and resilience during the selection process, emphasizing that it's Jadiara's turn to present a candidate for the Fusengbuwa ruling house, next in line for the Awujale throne. "Let us intensify prayers and unite for a seamless transition," he urged.
In his declaration, Otunba Dr. Hassan paid tribute to the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and pledged to build on his legacy, promoting development and serving humanity. "I will lead with sincerity, leveraging my global influence to attract investors to Ijebu land," he promised.
Notable supporters, including Aladeken of Oke Ako, Oba Adenola Osunsanmi, and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Baagbimo of Ijebuland and Vice Chairman, Fusengbuwa Ruling House), praised Dr. Hassan's qualifications, global exposure, and service record, endorsing him as a worthy candidate.
Professor Yusuf also announced the unification of Fusengbuwa's Olori-Ebis, with Otunba Abdul-Lateef Owoyemi as Chairman and Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba as Deputy, following the Ogun State Government's directive.
The government also ordered refund of interest form fees to contestants.
Similarly, Otunba Akinola Odedina and Pastor Bolarinwa Salami lauded Dr. Hassan’s leadership qualities and reaffirmed the unity of the Jadiara Royal House in the ongoing traditional process.
In a symbolic display of loyalty, Jadiara youths presented customized vests to all dignitaries at the high table, pledging 100% support for Otunba Hassan’s aspiration to the throne.
Media Interaction: Service and Legacy
During a brief interaction with the press, Otunba Hassan was asked about his contributions to the progress of Ijebuland. He proudly recounted how he and his medical team had provided free eye care services to several traditional rulers, including the Oba of Ijebu-Ife, in appreciation of which they were gifted 12 acres of land — the present site of the Eye Foundation Hospital.
“Our service to Ijebuland has always been rooted in love and community upliftment,” he noted.
The Succession Context
The Jadiara Ruling House is a principal branch of the Fusengbuwa lineage, which is currently next in line for the Awujale throne under the Ijebu rotational system. According to Ijebu traditions and the 1957 Chiefs Law, the throne rotates among four ruling houses:
Anikinaiya → Fusengbuwa → Fidipote → Gbelegbuwa.
With the Fusengbuwa line now due for succession, the Jadiara branch — being the eldest of the Fusengbuwa subdivisions (Jadiara, Fusengbuwa, Bubiade, and Tunwase) — is expected to produce the next Awujale.
Succession Process and Eligibility
The succession process is guided by Ijebu customary law and the 1957 Chiefs Law, which outlines the following steps:
1. Nomination of candidates by the ruling house.
2. Presentation to the Odis (principal class of kingmakers).
3. Deliberation and selection by the kingmakers through a unanimous decision.
Eligibility traditionally favors male descendants from the Fusengbuwa lineage, with preference for Abidagba — children born while their father was on the throne. However, in the absence of a suitable male candidate, a female Abidagba may also be considered, following established precedent
The renowned ophthalmic surgeon is the Chairman of Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation
The Awujale succession process, guided by Ijebu traditions and the 1957 Chiefs Law, involves nomination by Fusengbuwa, followed by kingmakers' approval.
The event concluded with heartfelt appreciation from Otunba Dr. Adekunle Hassan, who thanked the dignitaries, youths, and family members for their support and presence at the historic gathering.
His declaration marks a significant milestone in the unfolding succession process of Ijebuland — symbolizing unity, continuity, and the enduring strength of Ijebu tradition.
Femi Mebude
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