Not fewer than 95 aspirants, comprising 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu Ode, have emerged as contenders for the vacant Awujale stool, the paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Ogun State.

The aspirants emerged on Monday during a nomination meeting of the ruling house held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, alongside his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and the Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf.

Officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, including the Secretary, Mr Abiodun Oke, attended as observers.

Among the aspirants are Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of a former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga;  a renowned ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital, Dr Kunle Hassan; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction.

The sole female aspirant is Mrs Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91 after a historic 65-year reign.

At the nomination meeting, each aspirant was represented by two relatives—one to propose and the other to second the nomination—after which the family formally registered and accepted the nomination.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Otunba Owoyemi commended members of the ruling house for conducting themselves peacefully and ensuring a hitch-free process.

He said the family was guided by extensive consultations, including traditional divination, to ensure that the eventual occupant of the Awujale stool would further advance the progress and unity of Ijebu land.

(Punch)