Awujale Succession: Three Names, One Throne—Jadiara Royal House Says No Consensus Exists

Awujale Succession: Three Names, One Throne—Jadiara Royal House Says No Consensus ExistsBy Segun Omo Ojikutu 

For generations, the Awujale throne has stood as one of the most revered traditional institutions in Ijebuland. 

Now, as the people of Ijebuland await the emergence of a new monarch, a fresh controversy has emerged over who should be considered for the coveted stool—and, more importantly, who has the authority to determine the contenders.

The latest development came from the Jadiara Royal Family, a prominent member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, which has publicly rejected a report claiming that a three-candidate consensus had emerged in the race for the vacant Awujale stool.

The royal house's position has injected a new dimension into the unfolding succession story, raising a question that goes beyond the names reportedly being circulated:

Who should decide who gets the opportunity to wear the crown of Ijebuland?

Three Names, But Is There a Consensus?

A report by Ikokore Reporters reportedly presented Bode Onanuga, Bimbo Onabanjo and Folu Aderibigbe as the three candidates for consultation in the Awujale succession process.

But the Jadiara Royal House says that portrayal does not represent any consensus within the relevant traditional structures.

In a press statement dated August 10, 2026, and signed by Otunba Prince Akinola Odedina, Oloriebi, Jadiara Royal House, the royal house described the publication as misleading and baseless.

It categorically stated that no three-candidate consensus exists.

For the royal house, the issue is not simply about three names appearing in a report. It is about ensuring that the process through which the next Awujale emerges remains firmly anchored in the customs, traditions and laws governing the revered institution.

Who Has the Power to Choose?

The Jadiara Royal House challenged the authority of Ikokore Reporters to determine who should be regarded as candidates for the throne.

According to the royal house, the media organisation has no traditional, statutory or customary authority to determine candidates for the Awujale stool.

It maintained that such responsibilities belong to the appropriate ruling house, kingmakers and other recognised traditional and statutory institutions involved in the succession process.

The message is clear: while the public may discuss the succession and the media may report developments, the actual determination of qualified aspirants must be left to the institutions empowered by tradition and law.

More Than a Contest for a Crown

Behind the succession debate lies a much bigger question about the future of Ijebuland.

The emergence of a new Awujale is not merely a matter of filling a vacant traditional position. The monarch occupies a deeply respected position in the cultural and social life of the Ijebu people.

Consequently, the Jadiara Royal House insists that every qualified aspirant deserves to be considered according to established rules rather than through media campaigns or public speculation.

The royal house called for due process, arguing that aspirants should be assessed on the basis of tradition and law.

Royal House Rejects Conspiracy Claims

The Jadiara Royal House also pushed back against what it described as conspiracy allegations surrounding the succession.

It challenged those making such allegations to produce evidence rather than rely on speculation.

The royal house's position reflects its concern that unsubstantiated claims could deepen divisions at a time when the succession process requires maturity, fairness and restraint from all stakeholders.

‘Give Every Aspirant a Fair Hearing’

Another concern raised by the royal house is the treatment of individual aspirants in media reports.

It specifically referred to Ademorin Kuye, whose mention in the report, according to the royal house, was dismissive and denigrating.

The royal house therefore appealed to the media to provide a level playing field for all aspirants and avoid reporting that could unfairly portray or undermine any individual involved in the succession race.

It also urged journalists, bloggers and members of the public to rely on official communications and verified information rather than circulate reports that could create unnecessary tension.

Ogun Government Urged to Stand Firm.

The role of the Ogun State Government has also featured in the succession conversation.

The Jadiara Royal House urged the government to discharge its responsibilities transparently and in accordance with the law, without pressure from interested parties.

It stressed that the government should be allowed to perform its statutory role while the traditional institutions carry out their own responsibilities within the succession framework.

The Bigger Question: What Kind of Awujale Will Ijebuland Get?

As the conversation continues, the central issue is gradually moving beyond the names being circulated.

For many people watching the process, the real concern is whether the next Awujale will emerge through a process that commands legitimacy, fairness and broad acceptance.

The Jadiara Royal House says that is precisely what it wants.

It reaffirmed its commitment to peace and the dignity of the Awujale institution, stressing that its ultimate objective is the lawful emergence of a new Awujale who enjoys the confidence of the people of Ijebuland.

And so, while three names may have entered the public conversation, the Jadiara Royal House insists that the story is far from settled.

Three names may be in the headlines. One throne awaits. But, according to the Jadiara Royal House, the decision must ultimately come from the institutions empowered by tradition and law—not from a media-generated consensus.