The race for the prestigious Awujale of Ijebuland officially gained momentum on Tuesday as Otunba Engr. Babatunde Alatise, a direct descendant of the Bubiade Royal Family under the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, formally declared his intention to ascend the historic throne.
The declaration, held at Alagbala Villa, Luba Road, Ijebu-Ode, attracted an impressive gathering of princes, princesses, traditional leaders, and dignitaries from the Fusengbuwa Royal Family, all paying witness to what many described as a defining moment in the succession process.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the transition of the revered monarch, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who peacefully joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, after an iconic 65-year reign—the longest in the history of Ijebuland. By long-standing tradition, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is next in line to produce the new Awujale.
Speaking during the event, Otunba Alatise stressed that his decision was driven not by personal ambition but by “a deep sense of duty — duty to our heritage, duty to our traditional structures, duty to our communities, and duty to the legacy of the illustrious Awujale lineage.”
“The Awujale stool is the soul of Ijebuland,” he said. “It represents honour, unity, cultural purity, stability, and forward progression. It is a sacred trust. Today, I offer myself — with humility and clarity of purpose — to uphold and elevate that trust.”
A Bold Vision for a New Era of Ijebuland
Otunba Alatise outlined a wide-ranging development agenda anchored on tradition, modernity, and global relevance. Key pillars of his vision include:
Preservation of Royal Heritage and Tradition
Economic Diversification and Sustainable Growth
Community-Focused Mining Reforms
Expansion of Ijebu Tourism to Global Audiences
including partnerships with investors, cultural institutions, tourism agencies, and global media
establishment of an Ijebu Polo Club and Horse Breeding Centre to revive ancient equestrian culture
Infrastructure and Industrial Growth
Youth Development and Economic Inclusion
Progressive and Inclusive Traditional Governance
Global Representation and Strategic Partnerships
Unity, Peace, and Collective Prosperity
He described his vision as “bold, inclusive, modern, and rooted in our ancient values — a roadmap that honours our past, addresses present realities, and prepares us for a prosperous future.”
Royal Family Leadership Reacts
In his remarks, Prof. Otunba Fassey Yusuf, Deputy Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, described Alatise as “a young, vibrant prince — intelligent, competent, hardworking, globally exposed, and well-travelled.”
He, however, clarified that he has not endorsed any candidate.
“As leaders of the royal family, our responsibility is to follow due process, screen all applicants, and give every qualified descendant equal opportunity to present themselves,” he said.
