The passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, marked the end of a legendary 65-year reign. He was a pillar of strength and independence for the Ijebu people. However, the period of mourning has quickly turned into a season of anger. In the streets and palaces of Ijebuland, a bitter narrative is taking hold: that the sacred process of choosing a new King is being blocked by the political games of Governor Dapo Abiodun. What should have been a peaceful, traditional transition has turned into a power struggle, and many see this as a direct attack on the heart of Ijebu culture.
Choosing a new Awujale is not a political job; it is a holy process. It is guided by ancient rules that involve four specific ruling houses: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote. It is an established fact it is now the turn of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to produce a new Awujale. Throughout history, these transitions were handled with care and kept far away from the interference of government officials. But today, months after the King’s death, the palace remains empty and the air is full of suspicion. There are troubling reports that the kingmakers–the elders who hold the community’s trust–are being pressured and harassed. These elders are reportedly being summoned to government meetings that feel more like interrogations, leading to fears that the Governor is trying to force his own choice onto the throne.
This conflict is made worse by the long struggle for the creation of an Ijebu State. For years, the Ijebu people have wanted their own state to gain more independence. Many believe that Governor Abiodun has not only ignored this wish but has actively tried to weaken the movement. By stirring up quiet rivalries between the Ijebu and Remo groups, critics say the government is trying to “divide and rule.” The fear is that the administration wants a weak King who won’t challenge the government’s power, rather than a strong leader who will fight for Ijebu interests.
In Yoruba culture, a King is seen as a representative of the ancestors. Treating this sacred office like a political appointment is a huge insult to tradition. This situation sets a dangerous example; if the government can interfere with the famous Awujale stool, then no traditional throne in the country is safe. It also threatens to ruin the legacy of the late Oba Adetona, who was famous for standing up to powerful politicians and military dictators to protect his people’s dignity.
Ultimately, the anger in Ijebuland is about more than just a delay; it is about respect. Politicians come and go every four years, but the monarchy is meant to last for centuries. You can fix a broken road or win an election, but the people rarely forget a leader who tries to mess with their crown. If Governor Abiodun is seen as the person who disrespected the Ijebu throne, he may find that the history books are much harder to win over than voters; and they will surely be waiting for him at every political turn. In Ijebuland, the honor of the Awujale stool is not for sale, and the people are not in a forgiving mood.
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