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Succession move begins as Awujale is buried in Ijebu-Ode (photos)
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)
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MURIC Briefs Public on Latest Development in UI–ISI Hijab Appeal
MURIC Briefs Public on Latest Development in UI–ISI Hijab Appeal
The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has updated the public on the latest development in the ongoing appeal over the controversial hijab dispute involving the University of Ibadan and the International School Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said proceedings took place at the Court of Appeal on March 6, 2026, where the appellants — the University of Ibadan, International School Ibadan and three other parties — moved an application seeking an extension of time to compile and transmit the record of appeal in the case.
According to MURIC, the application, which was dated and filed on November 11, 2024, requested the court to grant an enlargement of time for the appellants to complete the process and also asked that the already compiled record be deemed as properly compiled and transmitted.
The court, after listening to submissions from counsel, granted the application as requested.
Following the ruling, the appellate court issued directives for the filing of briefs by the parties involved in the case.
The appellants were ordered to file their brief of argument within seven days, while the respondents are expected to file their brief within fourteen days after being served with the appellants’ brief. The appellants were also given an additional seven days to file a reply brief, if necessary, after receiving the respondents’ brief.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 29, 2026, for the hearing of the appeal.
MURIC further disclosed that eleven other related appeals connected to the hijab controversy had earlier been adjourned to the same date, meaning all the cases are expected to be heard together.
The legal team representing MURIC in the matter is led by Barrister Yusuf Anikulapo, who was present in court during the proceedings.
Reiterating its position, the organisation stated that it remains committed to pursuing justice and defending what it described as the fundamental rights of Muslim students to practice their religion freely, including the right to wear the hijab in schools.
MURIC therefore urged members of the Muslim community and the public to remain calm, prayerful and supportive as the legal process continues.
The statement was signed by Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary of MURIC, Oyo State Chapter.
MURIC Briefs Public on Latest Development in UI–ISI Hijab Appeal
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Power Generation Drops Below 4,000MW, Worsening Electricity Supply Across Nigeria
Power Generation Drops Below 4,000MW, Worsening Electricity Supply Across Nigeria
Electricity supply across Nigeria has worsened following a significant drop in power generation on the national grid, raising concerns among consumers and industry stakeholders over the stability of the country’s power sector.
Data from the Transmission Company of Nigeria indicates that generation recently fell to below 4,000 megawatts (MW), largely due to disruptions in gas supply to several thermal power plants that depend on gas to operate.
The development has resulted in reduced electricity allocation to distribution companies (DisCos), leading to extended outages and unstable power supply in many parts of the country.
Officials in the power sector explained that most of Nigeria’s power plants are gas-fired, making the system highly vulnerable to fluctuations in gas availability. When supply is interrupted, generation capacity drops sharply, placing pressure on the national grid.
Industry observers say the situation may lead to wider blackouts if urgent measures are not taken to stabilise fuel supply to generating stations.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, which manages the national grid, has not announced a system-wide collapse but acknowledged ongoing operational challenges affecting power distribution.
Nigeria’s electricity grid has suffered repeated disruptions in recent years. Experts note that aging infrastructure, inadequate gas supply, and limited investment in generation and transmission capacity remain key factors contributing to persistent power shortages.
Consumers across several states have reported prolonged outages since the drop in generation, with businesses warning that unreliable electricity continues to increase the cost of operations as many rely on alternative power sources such as generators.
Energy analysts have called on the federal government and stakeholders in the power sector to accelerate reforms, improve gas supply security, and invest in renewable and alternative energy sources to reduce the country’s dependence on gas-powered plants.
Nigeria currently has an installed generation capacity of over 12,000MW, but actual output delivered to the grid typically ranges between 3,000MW and 5,000MW due to operational constraints.
Power Generation Drops Below 4,000MW, Worsening Electricity Supply Across Nigeria
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Kidnapped Ex‑Deputy Governor’s Father Found Dead as Police Nab Nine Suspects
Kidnapped Ex‑Deputy Governor’s Father Found Dead as Police Nab Nine Suspects
The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed that Ezeogo Francis Igwe, traditional ruler of Ndufu‑Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of former deputy governor Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, was killed by his abductors a day after being kidnapped on his way to church. The tragic development was disclosed in a statement by the state police public relations officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, in Abakaliki, the state capital.
The monarch was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, by armed men riding motorcycles. Immediately following the incident, the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Nwifuru directed security agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice. The governor described the abduction as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable,” urging residents to assist authorities with credible information.
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Police said the operation involved intensive intelligence-driven surveillance and technical assets. During the initial investigation, officers arrested two primary suspects who admitted to being part of the kidnapping syndicate and confirmed that Igwe had been killed on March 2, 2026. These suspects also guided police to the gang’s hideout.
Upon reaching the location, other gang members opened fire on the security operatives, prompting a gunfight. One of the criminals was neutralised, while the rest fled. Police subsequently arrested seven additional suspects, bringing the total to nine in custody, and recovered a locally made pistol linked to the crime.
The remains of the late monarch were recovered and deposited at a morgue for autopsy. Police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects, and those in custody will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The killing has left the Ndufu‑Alike community in mourning, with residents expressing shock and grief over the loss of a revered traditional ruler and father of a prominent political figure. Security agencies have vowed to continue tackling kidnapping and violent crime in the state.
Kidnapped Ex‑Deputy Governor’s Father Found Dead as Police Nab Nine Suspects
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