The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, has approved the selection of accomplished Endocrinologist, Dr Sonny Folorunso Kuku, as the new Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland.

Ogbeni Oja (Leader of Commerce and Industry in Ijebu), which literally means a kingmaker, is one of the highest chieftaincy titles in the Royal Awujale administration and the highest non-hereditary title an Ijebu can aspire to.

The seat became vacant after the demise of the previous holder of the title, Bayo Kuku, who died in 2015.In the history of Ijebu, Olor’ogun Kuku will become the third to be so honoured after the late Timothy Adeola Odutola and Bayo Kuku.

However, this royal selection has put to rest the names of other prominent and worthy Ijebu being speculated as the potential Ogbeni Oja. Olor’ogun Kuku, who will be 80 years old in January 3, 2024, is a highly distinguished personality from the illustrious Balogun Odueyingbo Kuku Family of Ita-Ntebo, Ijebu-Ode, and has made indelible marks in the fields of medicine, academics and business.

He holds several degrees and fellowships in medicine, including two doctorate degrees. He co-founded EKO Hospital (Eko Corp Plc) in 1978, which is the only quoted hospital in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the first Federal Government-recognised private tertiary hospital.