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Succession move begins as Awujale is buried in Ijebu-Ode (photos)

Published

9 months ago

July 15, 2025

The remains of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, during burial in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, yesterday

Succession move begins as Awujale is buried in Ijebu-Ode (photos)

Remains of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were buried in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, amid tight security.

Ijebu-Ode town stood still, as dignitaries and mourners from all walks of life, sons and daughters of Ijebuland, paid the revered monarch last respect.

Armed soldiers, police and other security agents had taken over the palace, his private residence and other strategic locations in Ijebu-Ode to forestall breakdown of law and order.

There were fears of possible clash between the Muslim and traditional worshippers over the burial rites of the monarch who had insisted that he be laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

The controversial burial rites law of Ogun State government allows a dead monarch to be buried according to the religion he practiced.

The provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021, specifically section 55, governs the preservation and regulation of traditional burial rites.

Subsection (ii) grants a traditional ruler “the right to be buried in accordance with the customs and traditions of the land”, provided that the body is not subjected to mutilation or cannibalisation.

Subsequent subsections (iii) to (v) establish that the relevant traditional council must determine the nature of the rites, register a declaration of those rites with the commissioner within 21 days, and ensure that registration acts as sufficient proof of compliance.

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Sections 55 and 56 of the law explicitly prohibit harmful practices such as mutilation, cannibalism, and human rituals, and criminalise the killing or use of human parts during burial rites or the installation of a monarch in the state.

However, some traditionalists insisted that monarchs are installed according to customs and tradition of the land and as such, they have the right to take charge of the monarch’s burial rites.

Oba Adetona initiated the bill, hence, his burial yesterday appeared sets the tone for the enforcement of the law.

It was gathered that the security agents were beefed up at different locations especially the burial site to avoid the process being hijacked.

The body of the late Awujale in a motorcade was accompanied by staff of the office of traditional rulers in Ijebuland en route to the Igbeba residential Mosque.

As predicted, traditionalists who came in their numbers were, however, prevented by security operatives from the Nigeria Army, who marched them to the gate.

The soldiers had a tough time controlling crowd during the janazat prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo.

The federal government delegation to the burial was led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and his counterpart in the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

Others in attendance were the governors of Ogun and Lagos States, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; deputy governor of Ogun State, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Senator Gbenga Daniel; Senator Salis Shuaib and Senator Solomon Adeola.

They also included the First Lady of Ogun, Bamidele Abiodun; former first lady of the State, Funso Amosun; the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olorogun Sunny Kuku; Chairman of Odua Investment, Otunba Abimbola Ashiru; Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, sons and daughters of Ijebuland, among others.

Succession battle begins

Daily Trust reports that following the interment of the late Awujale yesterday, search has begun in earnest for the next occupant to the stool.

Sources hinted that quiet search for the worthy successor had begun in 2019 after Oba Adetona highlighted conditions that must be considered for a successor.

During the 2019 edition of Ojude Oba festival held in August that year, Oba Adetona gave Ijebu kingmakers conditions that must be put into consideration while selecting his successor when he finally joins his ancestors.

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Oba Adetona said his would-be successor must not be a money bag who would destroy the achievements Ijebuland recorded so far.

The late monarch told Ijebu kingmakers not to replace him with a moneybag.

He asked them to call on God in order to select a capable successor worthy of building on the records of the Ijebuland.

The Awujale also warned that the process of selecting his successor must not be politicised, and asked Ijebu indigenes to reject selection of “incompetent successor.”

Oba Adetona, who gave the stern warning, said “Nobody knows when I will join my ancestors.”

Our correspondent learnt that in coming days, the race for the highly revered Yoruba stool will begin openly.

By the declaration made under Section 4 (2) of the Chief Law 1957 of the Customary Law regulating the selection of the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy, there are four ruling houses. They are – (i) the Gbelegbuwa Ruling House; (ii) the Anikinaiya Ruling House, where Oba Adetona came from; (iii) the Fusengbuwa Ruling House; and (iv) the Fidipote Ruling House.

Findings revealed that process of selecting a new Awujale involves specific steps outlined in the Ijebu traditional laws and customs, and involve the participation of the kingmakers (members of the highest traditional council) and the ruling houses of Ijebu.

According to the general outline of the process, the process begins with the passing of the current Awujale, then consultation with kingmakers who are members of the highest traditional council to initiate the selection process.

The ruling houses of Ijebu are then consulted to determine which house is next in line to produce a candidate, follow by the nomination of a candidate by the next ruling house for the vacant stool.

Then, the kingmakers are expected to carefully consider the nominated candidates, considering their suitability and adherence to traditional norms. The final selection is made by the kingmakers, who then present the chosen candidate to the Ijebu people. The selected candidate undergoes traditional coronation rites and ceremonies to become the new Awujale.

According to the order of rotation in which respective ruling houses are entitled to produce candidates, the ruling house of Fusengbuwa, is heir apparent to the Awujale stool.

Gbelegbuwa ruling house produced late Oba Adetona’s predecessor, while he (Adetona) hailed from the Anikinaiya ruling house. In that order, the Fidipote ruling house is next to the current heir apparent.ad

Awujale Gbelegbuwa became an Oba recorded in Ijebu history in 1760. Gbelegbuwa was resuscitated in 1933 when Daniel Adesanya Gbelegbuwa II ascended the Awujale throne and reigned between 1933-1959. Oba Adetona from Anikinaiya ruling house replaced in 1960.

Reports say the first record of Funsengbuwa ruling house was between 1790-1891 after the ruling of the first Gbelegbuwa between 1760-1790.

The ruling house has many branches across Ijebu-Ode. It includes the Olukoku royal house at Olode, the Ile NLA at Agunsebi Aboki Tunwase, the Awujale whom the British met after 1885-95 and Adekoga Eleruja also from Tunwase/Funsengbuwa ruling house who became the Awujale in 1916.

Oba Adenuga Folagbade who was crowned in 1925 also hailed from Fusengbuwa Tunwase ruling house. Many princes of Fusegbuwa ruling houses became Oba in other Ijebu settlements along the Epe road.

Findings by our correspondent revealed the founder of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), late Otunba Subomi Balogun, came from the ruling house and as such, his four sons, Bolaji, Jide, Ladi and Gboyega are eligible to vie for the throne. Ladi is the CEO of FCMB Group.

It was gathered that more prominent princes from the ruling house will throw their hats into the ring when the race is finally thrown open.

However, one prominent personality being tipped for the throne is the fuji icon, Wasiu Ayinde, who holds the title of Olori Omoba of Ijebu. He hails from Fidipote ruling house, which according to sources, renders him ‘ineligible’.

Succession move begins as Awujale is buried in Ijebu-Ode (photos)

Related Topics:Awujale Featured Ijebu-Ode Succession

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Zulum Defends NAF Airstrike, Says Jilli Market Closed Five Years Ago

Published

4 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum

Zulum Defends NAF Airstrike, Says Jilli Market Closed Five Years Ago

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has defended the Nigerian military over a controversial airstrike in Jilli, insisting that the location widely described as a “market” had been shut down for years due to insurgency.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor said the Jilli market in Gubio Local Government Area—located along the Borno–Yobe border—was officially closed about five years ago as part of security measures to curb terrorist activities.

Zulum described Jilli as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics networks, stressing that it no longer functioned as a legitimate civilian marketplace.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli market… Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” the governor said.

He added that his administration is in active consultation with the Yobe State Government and military authorities to fully assess the situation and ensure proper coordination going forward.

The airstrike, carried out on April 11, 2026, by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, reportedly targeted suspected terrorist positions in the area following intelligence reports and earlier operations in the corridor.

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However, initial reports indicated that over 50 people were feared killed, sparking concern over possible civilian casualties and raising questions about the nature of the target.

Eyewitness accounts suggested that the strike hit a location believed by locals to be a weekly trading point, triggering panic among residents as explosions rocked the area.

In response, Zulum emphasised that the Borno State Government maintains strict protocols before reopening markets or resettling communities affected by insurgency, noting that such decisions are made in close coordination with security agencies.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting civilians while supporting military operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks across the North-East.

The governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing credible intelligence that could aid ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.

Military authorities have yet to release a detailed official report confirming casualty figures or clarifying the full circumstances of the strike.

Security analysts say the incident highlights the complex challenges of counterinsurgency warfare, where distinguishing between civilian activity and insurgent logistics hubs remains difficult, particularly in volatile border communities.

Despite the controversy, the Nigerian military has continued intensified operations across key areas in Borno and neighbouring states, targeting supply routes and strongholds used by extremist groups.

Zulum Defends NAF Airstrike, Says Jilli Market Closed Five Years Ago

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BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Published

5 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a 15-year-old suspect allegedly involved in the deadly attack that killed Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, another officer, and two soldiers in Borno State.

The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday in Ngamdu while reportedly on an errand to procure food supplies for members of his group.

In a video recorded after his arrest, the teenager confessed to being part of the armed group responsible for coordinated attacks in Benisheik and Ngamdu, areas that have witnessed renewed insurgent activity in recent months.

According to the suspect, the group operated from Jilli, a location described by military sources as a known logistics and movement hub for insurgents in the region. He said they moved from Jilli to carry out the attack and later returned to the same location.

Tijjani further disclosed that he had been sent with about ₦850,000 to collect logistics supplies from Ngamdu before his arrest. He added that he left his colleagues behind at Jilli and was unaware of subsequent developments following the operation.

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The late General Braimah, who commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, was killed on Thursday when suspected Boko Haram fighters launched an assault on a military base in the area. The attack also claimed the lives of another officer and two soldiers, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the North-East.

Military sources indicate that the arrest of the teenage suspect is part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and cutting off their supply chains across Borno State.

Security analysts say the involvement of minors in insurgent activities highlights a disturbing pattern of recruitment by extremist groups, who often deploy young individuals for logistics, surveillance, and operational roles.

The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance and clearance operations across key corridors such as Jilli, Ngamdu, and Benisheik, following recent attacks, with the aim of preventing further assaults and restoring stability in the region.

Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the arrest, but security operations are expected to continue as efforts to track down other members of the group intensify.

The development comes amid renewed commitment by Operation HADIN KAI to sustain pressure on insurgents and disrupt their activities across the North-East.

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

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Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Published

6 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has suggested that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may issue an official query to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, following his absence at a recent high chiefs’ coronation ceremony in Ibadan.

The event, held at Mapo Hall, saw Governor Makinde present beaded crowns to three newly elevated traditional rulers as part of ongoing chieftaincy reforms in Ibadanland. However, the absence of the Olubadan from the April 3 ceremony has sparked public debate and political reactions.

Fayose, speaking on the development, claimed that the monarch’s absence—reportedly due to a prior engagement in Lagos—alongside other alleged concerns, could prompt a formal government query in the coming days. He did not provide official documentation but insisted the situation could escalate into a government–palace dispute if not carefully managed.

The Olubadan’s palace has already clarified that his absence was not due to any disagreement with the state government, dismissing speculation of a rift between the traditional institution and Governor Makinde’s administration.

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Some critics of the ceremony have also described the event as a “failed coronation,” alleging that the exercise may have cost over ₦1.5 billion, though no official financial breakdown has been released to confirm the claim.

At the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State Government nor the Olubadan-in-Council had issued an official response to Fayose’s latest comments or the circulating allegations.

The development comes against the backdrop of long-standing sensitivities in Ibadan chieftaincy politics, where traditional authority structures have often intersected with state governance and public debate.

Observers note that Fayose’s intervention adds a new political dimension to an already delicate issue, especially given his history of public disagreements with Governor Makinde during his tenure in Ekiti politics.

For now, the situation remains fluid, with stakeholders calling for restraint and clarification to prevent further escalation between the state government and the traditional institution.