IJEBU-ODE, Nigeria – The Awujale of Ijebuland is the paramount traditional ruler of the Ijebu people, with a royal institution whose recorded history extends across several centuries.
Okay News reports that the stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on 13 July 2025. He was 91 and had reigned for about 65 years after becoming Awujale in 1960.
Who is the current Awujale of Ijebuland?
As of 28 July 2026, no new Awujale had been formally announced in verified official information reviewed for this update. In June 2026, kingmakers submitted the names of five princes to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun as the selection process continued.
Succession to the stool is connected to four recognised ruling houses: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote. The eventual appointment is subject to the applicable traditional selection process and state law.
Past and present Awujales of Ijebuland
The following table presents the commonly cited recorded sequence from Ore-Geje to Oba Sikiru Adetona. Historical spellings and dates may vary across records.
| No. | Awujale | Reign |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | Ore-Geje | 1769–1770 |
| 37 | Sapenuwa Rubakoye | 1770–1775 |
| 38 | Orodudujoye | 1775–1778 |
| 39 | Tewogbuwa | 1778–1780 |
| 40 | Gbelegbuwa | 1780–1790 |
| 41 | Fusengbuwa | 1790–1820 |
| 42 | Setejoye | 1820–1821 |
| 43 | Anikilaya | 1821–1854 |
| 44 | Fidipote | 1854–1885 |
| 45 | Tunwase | 1886–1895 |
| 46 | Adeleke | 1895–1906 |
| 47 | Adeona | 1906–1915 |
| 48 | Adekoya | 1916 |
| 49 | Ademolu | 1916–1925 |
| 50 | Adenuga | 1925–1929 |
| 51 | Ogunnaike | 1929–1933 |
| 52 | Adesanya | 1933–1959 |
| 53 | Sikiru Kayode Adetona | 1960–2025 |
Oba Sikiru Adetona’s reign
Oba Adetona’s reign was one of the longest in Nigeria’s modern traditional history. He became Awujale in 1960 and remained an influential voice in Ijebu and national affairs until his death in 2025.
How a new Awujale is selected
The ruling house entitled to present candidates begins the process, after which eligible princes are considered through the traditional and statutory procedure. The kingmakers make their selection, while the state government performs the formal role required by law.
This article will be updated when the Ogun State Government formally confirms a successor.
