The Ogun State government has begun the process of selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for more than six decades.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a post on X, said he recently met with the Awujale Chiefs in Council in Iperu to deliberate on the succession process. The monarch, who was regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers, died on 13 July after 65 years on the throne.

The governor said the kingmakers had been urged to ensure a transparent and peaceful process in choosing a successor.

“We emphasised the need to avoid a vacuum on the throne and charged the kingmakers to ensure a transparent, fair, and rancour-free process that gives all qualified contestants equal opportunity,” Abiodun wrote.

He stressed that the appointment must follow the customs, traditions, and laws guiding the stool of the Awujale, and praised the unity displayed by the chiefs during the discussions.

Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s confidence in the integrity of the Awujale Chiefs in Council and pledged government support for whichever candidate emerges from their deliberations.

“Together, we remain committed to sustaining peace, harmony, and progress across Ijebuland and Ogun State as a whole,” he said.

The Awujale of Ijebuland, based in Ijebu-Ode, is regarded as one of the most influential traditional rulers in south-west Nigeria.

Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was widely respected for his role in modernising Ijebuland while preserving its traditions.

The governor also promised the council to support any candidate that emerges with all that is needed.

“We assured them that our administration will support whichever candidate emerges from their process. Together, we remain committed to sustaining peace, harmony, and progress across Ijebuland and Ogun State as a whole” he said.