By Ghazali Ibrahim
Fresh conversation has surrounded the race for the next Awujale of Ijebuland after Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his villa in Lagos.
The meeting comes 273 days after the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on July 13, 2025, ending a historic reign that lasted over six decades.
Although the Presidency disclosed his visit as “Courtesy visit”, its timing has triggered renewed speculation across Ogun State and beyond, with many interpreting it as a possible signal in the ongoing succession process for the revered throne.
Onabanjo, a prince from the Fusengbuwa Royal House, has in recent months emerged as one of the most visible contenders for the Awujale stool.
Known for his business and philanthropic engagements, he has attracted attention both within and outside Ijebuland.
However, the prince has previously urged caution among his supporters, warning against premature declarations and insisting that the selection of a new Awujale remains a deeply traditional process guided by established customs.
The Awujale throne remains vacant nearly nine months after Adetona’s passing, with multiple ruling houses expected to participate in what is often a closely guarded and culturally sensitive selection procedure.
While visits by royal aspirants to political leaders are not uncommon in Nigeria, observers say such engagements can sometimes hint at consultations or strategic positioning, particularly for high-profile traditional stools.
Still, there is no official confirmation that Onabanjo’s meeting with the president is connected to the selection process but the visit signals a possible intervention in the process.
For now, the development adds a fresh layer of speculation, as many watch closely to see whether the visit marks a turning point or merely coincidence in the journey toward installing a new Awujale.
