The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has announced that Monday, January 12, 2026, will mark the start of the selection process for the vacant Awujale stool, the paramount leadership position in Ijebuland.

This decision follows a clearance letter from the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, relayed through the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu.

The ruling house had earlier suspended the selection process after the state government identified procedural irregularities that could have triggered litigation. The suspension was decided during a meeting involving the state government, the ruling house, and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee in Abeokuta.

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

In a letter dated January 6, 2026, the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr. Oke Adebanjo, confirmed that the ruling house now had the Ministry’s approval to resume its selection process. The letter instructed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to notify the local government of the date, time, and venue of the nomination meeting, with local government officials attending strictly as observers.

The family nomination meeting will take place at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, at 12 noon, according to a statement from the ruling house chairman, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi. Local government representatives have been invited to monitor the proceedings.

The contest for the Awujale throne has reportedly drawn over 60 aspirants, including popular Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), generating significant public interest across Ijebuland.