Oluwafunmilayo Adekunle
Fusengbuwa Rulling House of Igboburo Compound, Odoegbo, Ward 9, Ijebu-Ode declares
Otunba Dr. Olubola Hassan Nee Sanni Osikomaiya as candidate for the traditional paramount ruler post of Ijebuland (Awujale' Stool).
The New Family Head of Fusegbuwa Rulling House, Chief Prof. Fassy Yusuf representing Fusegbuwa, Jadiarap Tunwase and Bibiade declares Otunba Hassan Nee Osikomaiya.
Otunba Olubola Adekunle Hassan Nee Sanni Osikomaiya in his speech acknowledge a minutes silence for the Late Oba Dr Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, Awujale' of Ijebuland, distinguished Royal Fathers.Otunbas and Chiefs,
Wonderful Princes and Princesses.
Gentlemen of the Press.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I PRESENT princely greeting to you all. There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. Literally, this quotation from William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, means that there are moments in life when one must take action to seize opportunities, and if one fails to do so, he or she will miss his or her chance and face the consequences of his or her inertia or inaction.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025 the Ijebu nation and indeed, Nigeria lost its enigmatic and quintessential monarch, Alaiyeluwa Kabiyesi, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, GCON, Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who reigned from April 2, 1960 to July 13, 2025, that is for a period of sixty-five years, three months, eleven days! He thus set a unique record as the longest reigned monarch that ever mounted the throne of the ancient Ijebu Kingdom and one of the oldest in Africa.
Awujale Adetona brought honour and prestige to the throne. He was the best thing that ever happened to Ijebuland. He was a colossus and a monarch that gave the Ijebu nation a unique identity. He was a monumental success in every material sense. His footprints are all over the place. In education, who can forget Oba Adetona School of Governance and the Professorial Chair in Good Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye; and the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, Omu-Ijebu, among other enduring intellectual legacies he left behind. In culture and tradition, Oba Adetona’s contributions are immutable- The global and iconic Ojude Oba Festival that is the gift of the Ijebu nation to the world, and the unique Regberegbe (Age Group/Grade) institution that is the cynosure and envy of the nation. His administrative prowess was unparalleled as evident in the operations of the Ijebu Traditional Council (ITC), the Council of Otunba of Ijebuland, and the Council of Awujale Chiefs.
Oba Adetona did not only serve Ijebu nation, he faithfully and diligently served Ogun State and Nigeria. Aside serving as Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, he was a Special Envoy of the Federal Government to mediate in Southern African crisis. Until he joined his ancestors, his quest for the creation of Ijebu State from the old Ijebu State was unshaken.
From the foregoing, it is desirable that the vacancy in the stool of Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland be filled by a man of candour, comportment, strong character, unparalleled personality, unique humility, great simplicity, hardworking, successful, humane and with milk of human kindness. Also, the aspirant must have been relevant to the Ijebu nation in every material sense. He must have contributed to the growth and development of Ijebu Ode and Ijebu nation, as a whole.
I have reflected on the foregoing and I have consulted widely. This is not the time to sit idle. This is not the time to be docile. This is not the time for indecision. As a Medical Doctor and
Ophthalmologist, I am the Chairman of the globally acclaimed Eye Foundation with immense presence in Ijebu. I am well schooled in the nuances of Ijebu tradition and palace administration. With humility, I was very close to the palace during the glorious reign of Awujale Adetona. I am currently, the First Vice Chairman of the Council of Otunba of Ijebuland and I enjoy their support. My resume is available for perusal.
It is therefore, with sincere humility and strong determination to serve our Ijebu Kingdom that I like to bring to your notice, my burning desire to offer my humble self as a candidate for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
He said by the special grace of God, I sail through, I shall provide the transformational, intentional and intensive leadership required to build on the sound structure built by our late iconic and indefatigable Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa, Oba (Dr.) S. K. Adetona, CFR, GCON., Ogbagba II (of blessed memory). I have no iota of doubt that with your support and commitment to a greater and enviable Ijebuland, we shall succeed beyond every imagination for a better and more prosperous tomorrow (Amen).
As a first step, he has submitted his Expression of Interest and completed and submitted the Application Form and prepared to give the Jadiara Royal House the Fusengbuwa Ruling House all necessary support and cooperation.
Finally he crave for the support and prayers of all and sundry.
sincerely thank you all for your attention.
Ase ese ri dede eni o (Ase, Edumare).
