WHO WILL BE THE NEXT AWUJALE?
IGBORO LAWA SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
Otunba Abiodun Onanuga, FNIOB ("Nugacon"): A Prince, A Builder, A Statesman in Community Service and the Story Behind a Name Frequently Mentioned in Public Conversations
By Igboro Lawa Investigative Desk
"History does not merely preserve the names of kings; it first preserves the lives of men whose character, service and legacy inspire generations."
The Institution of the Awujale of Ijebuland is one of the oldest, most respected and most enduring traditional institutions in Yorubaland. For centuries, it has symbolised not only royal authority but also the cultural identity, political evolution, economic advancement and collective aspirations of the Ijebu people.
Every succession to this revered "Throne" has therefore attracted keen public interest, thoughtful reflection and widespread discussion among princes, chiefs, professionals, scholars and ordinary citizens alike. The emergence of a new Awujale has never been regarded as the selection of a ceremonial monarch alone; it represents the continuation of an institution that has shaped the history of Ijebuland for generations.
As Ijebuland awaits the emergence of a new Awujale following the passing of the late His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ogbagba II, conversations have continued across Royal compounds, community gatherings, professional associations, business circles, religious institutions and among Ijebus in the diaspora. The conversation has equally found expression across digital and social media platforms, where many names have been mentioned by commentators and members of the public.
Recognising the growing public interest, Igboro Lawa, a subsidiary of Ijebu Today Newspaper, resolved to go beyond speculation and embark on an independent investigative profiling of personalities whose names have featured prominently in public conversations surrounding the Awujale stool.
Our decision is informed by the fundamental responsibility of Journalism —to investigate, document and preserve history.
This publication does not seek to endorse, promote or campaign for any individual. Neither does it presume to influence the sacred succession process.
The emergence of an Awujale remains exclusively governed by the customs, traditions and recognised legal framework of Ijebuland through the appropriate Ruling House now the turn of "Funsegbuwa", the Afobajes (Kingmakers) and other statutory Traditional Institutions plus other stakeholders ratification.
Our assignment is different. It is to examine documented history. It is to revisit Royal genealogy. It is to evaluate public records. It is to review professional accomplishments. It is to place before our readers a comprehensive profile of personalities whose names have become part of contemporary public discourse.
The first personality in this investigative series is Otunba Abiodun Onanuga, FNIOB, popularly known throughout Nigeria's construction industry as "Nugacon." He is equally the Giwa of Ijebuland foremost outstanding Regberegbe Age Group, "Egbe Bobakeye"
More Than a Birthday Celebration
One of the most remarkable materials examined during this investigation was a documentary produced to commemorate the 60th birthday of Otunba Abiodun Onanuga.
What began as a birthday celebration evolved into a tribute to a lifetime of professional accomplishment, traditional recognition and service to Ijebuland.
The gathering itself spoke volumes.
Present were eminent personalities drawn from the business community, politics, academia, professional bodies, traditional institutions, religious organisations and the wider Ijebu community.
Leading the distinguished gathering was the late His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, whose presence underscored the significance of the occasion.
Throughout the documentary, speakers reflected not simply on Otunba Onanuga's achievements but on the values they believed had defined his life's journey—discipline, integrity, humility, generosity, loyalty and unwavering commitment to Ijebuland.
A Royal Heritage Rooted in History
Historical records presented in the documentary reveal that Otunba Abiodun Onanuga's ancestry is deeply rooted in two prominent royal lineages of Ijebuland.
His paternal ancestry descends directly from the Anikilaya Ruling House, while his maternal lineage traces to the Fusengbuwa-Arolugbade Royal House, the umbrella royal lineage from which the Jadiara and Bubiade royal families emerged.
The documentary explains that this dual ancestry reflects one of the oldest traditions of the Ijebu monarchy, whereby princes and princesses from different ruling houses intermarried to strengthen unity within the royal institution.
Otunba Onanuga therefore represents a royal heritage that spans multiple branches of the Ijebu royal family, linking him historically to two respected royal houses.
The documentary further recounts that his grandfather, Prince Mustafa Onanuga, was a respected prince of the Anikilaya Ruling House and Head of the Kewu of Obafore in Ijebu-Ife. It also records that his late mother, Alhaja Bisola Onanuga, traced her ancestry to the Bubiade Royal Family through the Fusengbuwa-Arolugbade lineage.
To traditional historians interviewed in the documentary, this combination of ancestry reflects the enduring interconnectedness of the Ijebu royal institution.
Recognition by the Late Awujale
One of the defining moments in Otunba Onanuga's traditional journey came when the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, conferred upon him the prestigious title of Otunba Anikilaya of Ijebuland.
According to the documentary, the honour recognised years of distinguished service, loyalty and commitment to Ijebuland while affirming his position within the Anikilaya royal lineage.
The documentary also records that before accepting the honour, the blessings of the Fusengbuwa-Arolugbade Royal House were formally sought and graciously granted.
Its elders publicly endorsed the decision and participated in the installation ceremony, a development the documentary presents as a demonstration of unity and acceptance across both royal lineages.
Historical references contained in the documentary equally recall the role played by Prince Onanuga in supporting the process that eventually culminated in the nomination of Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona before his ascension to the Awujale throne.
From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition
Born in 1958 at Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga's early life reflected the values of discipline and perseverance that would later define his professional career.
He began his education at Imanwa Anglican Primary School, where he excelled both academically and in athletics before proceeding to Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, where he distinguished himself by winning the school's Technical Drawing Prize.
His academic journey later took him to St. Matthew's Secondary Commercial School and subsequently Yaba College of Technology, where he studied Building Technology and laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished professional career.
Industrial training with Fidelity Construction Limited, practical experience with Relink Construction Limited and Rotimi & Sons Limited, and service with the Federal Housing Authority during the National Youth Service Corps programme exposed him to major construction projects and strengthened his technical expertise.
Rather than pursue lifelong salaried employment, he embraced entrepreneurship by establishing Nuga Construction Company Limited, a bold decision that eventually earned him national recognition within Nigeria's construction industry.
His professional growth culminated in leadership within the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), where he became widely respected for promoting professional ethics, technical excellence and capacity development.
The Voices Behind the Documentary
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the documentary lies in the testimonies of those who knew, worked with or interacted with Otunba Onanuga over several decades.
Community Leaders described him as generous, compassionate and deeply committed to the welfare of others.
Professional colleagues remembered him as technically sound, disciplined and uncompromising in matters of quality and ethics.
Business associates portrayed him as forthright, dependable and courageous.
Traditional voices reflected on his loyalty to the Awujale institution, his respect for Ijebu customs and his enduring commitment to community development.
One contributor described him as "a blessing to humanity," while another observed that he earned public respect through service rather than status.
Others recalled his willingness to mentor younger professionals, support developmental initiatives and remain closely connected to his roots despite his professional accomplishments.
These observations represent the views expressed by contributors featured in the documentary. Collectively, they present a remarkably consistent portrait of a man whose life has combined royal heritage with enterprise, professional distinction, humility and service.
Why His Name Continues to Surface
The investigation found that public interest in Otunba Abiodun Onanuga is not based solely on his royal ancestry.
Rather, it reflects a combination of factors: documented royal lineage, recognised traditional honours, professional accomplishments, entrepreneurial success and decades of community engagement.
These factors help explain why his name continues to feature whenever discussions arise concerning the future of the Awujale institution.
At the same time, Igboro Lawa emphasises that public discussion should not be mistaken for the formal succession process. The selection of an Awujale remains the exclusive responsibility of the recognised traditional authorities acting in accordance with the customs, traditions and laws of Ijebuland.
Conclusion
This investigation does not attempt to determine who will become the next Awujale. Instead, it seeks to document the historical record of one of the distinguished princes whose name has attracted sustained public attention.
Whether viewed as a Prince, a respected building professional, an entrepreneur, a traditional title holder or a community leader, the life of Otunba Abiodun Onanuga, FNIOB, represents an important chapter in the contemporary history of Ijebuland.
Ultimately, history will take its course through the time-honoured institutions that have preserved the dignity of the Awujale stool for centuries.
Whatever the outcome of that sacred process, the documented record examined by Igboro Lawa explains why the name Otunba Abiodun Onanuga ("Nugacon") continues to occupy a prominent place in public conversations about the future of one of Africa's most revered traditional thrones.
