Independent Assessment Affirms Otunba Deji Osibogun’s Continued Eligibility In Awujale Succession Race

The succession process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland has continued to draw sustained public and institutional attention following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, after an extraordinary 65-year reign. Regarded as one of the most significant traditional transitions in Ijebu history, the process is being closely watched by traditional authorities, government institutions, and the wider Ijebu community to ensure strict adherence to custom and law.

Within this evolving process, Otunba Giwa Ayodeji Adekunle Osibogun remains firmly in the race, following a recent independent assessment that confirmed his eligibility for the throne. The assessment, conducted by impartial observers familiar with Ijebu customary practices and succession requirements, validated Osibogun’s qualifications and affirmed that he meets the necessary criteria to contest for the Awujale stool, reinforcing his status as one of the leading contenders.

Earlier, in September 2025, Osibogun formally indicated his interest through a detailed letter of intent, outlining his royal lineage from the Jadiara (Fusegbuwa) branch of the ruling house. He also highlighted his long-standing engagement with community development initiatives and his commitment to preserving Ijebu cultural values. The independent verification carefully reviewed these claims and found them consistent with both customary expectations and applicable statutory provisions.

The Awujale succession exercise itself has undergone heightened scrutiny. In December 2025, Ogun State authorities paused and subsequently reset parts of the nomination process after procedural lapses were identified in the initial screening conducted by the Fusengbuwa ruling house. Government officials emphasized that the process must fully comply with established traditional norms and the Obas and Chiefs Law to prevent future disputes and maintain the credibility of the institution.

With reports indicating that more than sixty princes have shown interest in the throne, lineage authentication has become a decisive factor. In this context, the independent confirmation of Osibogun’s descent from a recognized ruling house places him in a strong position as the process advances. His compliance with both traditional lineage requirements and statutory guidelines has been acknowledged by multiple stakeholders involved in monitoring the transition.

While several other aspirants continue to face questions over genealogical claims or procedural compliance, the independent findings regarding Osibogun stand out for their clarity and conclusiveness. As the nomination phase is set to resume under renewed oversight, his confirmed eligibility underscores his continued relevance in the Awujale succession discourse. Although the final decision rests with the kingmakers, the independent assessment firmly establishes Osibogun as one of the top contenders for one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional stools.

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©️ Adebamiwa Olugbenga Michael is a Lagos-based political and social analyst and publisher of The Insight Lens Project, where he writes on governance, ethnic economics, and public policy using open-source data.