The race to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland is getting closer, as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, on Monday, submitted the names of princes qualified to occupy the revered seat for consideration to the kingmakers.

The Chairman and Head of the Ruling House, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, led other notable leaders and members to present the names to the kingmakers through the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olorogun Sunny Kuku.

The event was held at the palace of the Awujale in Ijebu-Ode.

It was learnt that the kingmakers would pick the preferred candidate and forward the name to the Government through the Ijebu Ode Local Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ogun State, for further action.

Recall that the family unveiled the names of princes and princesses who indicated interest in the stool at a nomination meeting held some days back.

At the meeting, the names of a renowned ophthalmic surgeon, Dr Adekunle Hassan, the joint chairman, ARON Construction Nigeria Limited, Prince Fatai Adesegun, 93 others were reeled out, as aspirants jostling for the stool.

The revered stool became vacant after the passage of Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on July 13, 2025, having reigned for 65 remarkable years.

Among those nominated at the nomination meeting of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, held in Ijebu-Ode, on Monday, was the husband of former deputy governor of the State, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga.

Only one female, Princess Oluwakemi Onanuga, showed interest in the stool. (Nigerian Tribune)

• PHOTO: The Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, receiving the list containing names of candidates selected to occupy the Awujale stool from the Chairman and Head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, and other notable leaders of the family, at the Awujale's Palace, Ijebu Ode, on Monday