Two traditional chiefs in Ogun State have disagreed over the consultation of the Ifa oracle to pick a new candidate for the vacant throne of Awujale of Ijebuland after the demise of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
While the Oluwo Ifa Egbaland, Abeokuta, High Chief Gbeminiyi Baoku, called on kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode to prioritise Ifa oracle spiritual guidance, the Baagbimo of Ijebuland, Chief Fassy Yusuf, said that the Ifa oracle alone could not determine the choice of a new Awujale.
The selection of a new Awujale came following the death of Oba Adetona, who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after 65 years of reign on the throne, making the Fusengbuwa ruling house the next line to the throne.
Baoku, while speaking exclusively on the selection of the new Awujale, urged the kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode to consider moral integrity as well as consult the Ifa oracle in the choice of the new candidate to occupy the vacant throne.
He advised the kingmakers to shun the influence of money bags and prioritise Ifa consultation in their decision-making process to pick a worthy candidate for the vacant throne of Awujale.
The traditional chief urged the kingmakers that by seeking Ifa’s guidance, they would make an informed and spiritually grounded decision, untainted by the corrupting influence of wealth in the crucial task of selecting a new Awujale.
He, however, cautioned members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house to shun any form of division among them over the position of Head of the ruling house, saying that such division, if not properly managed toward a single head, could affect the choice of a new monarch.
Baoku said, “I will advise the kingmakers and members of Fusengbuwa on the committee (screening) set up by the ruling house to first choose their candidate based on truth, literacy, and not money or position. And after that, they should consult Ifa to know if the person is the right man for the throne.”
“There should not be division in the choice of candidate among members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house. They should ensure peace reigns among themselves and also follow the choice of candidate supported by the people of Ijebu-Ode and Ifa,” he added.
But, in a swift reaction, Chief Yusuf, who also doubles as the Secretary of the Awujale Council of Chiefs, said it was not necessary to consult Ifa to determine a new king for the throne of Awujale.
Yusuf, who spoke on Frontline, a current affairs radio programme in Ijebu, said that only the kingmakers and the Fusengbuwa ruling house could decide the next monarch for the throne of Awujale.
“The last time we had an Ọbaship process was in 1959-1960, and I don’t know if Ifa was consulted. Since there are no established criteria for picking the Awujale, whether the family consults Ifa or leaves it to the kingmakers is up to them.
“The role of divinity is not entirely abolished, but some practices are no longer as relevant. We now have three groups—Isese, Christian, and Islamic. Why emphasise Ifa alone and the ruling family?” he added.
