The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland Ogun State on Tuesday told his subjects to “go for a capable successor” whenever he joins his ancestors.
He spoke when he received thousands of sons and daughters of Ijebu extraction in Ijebu – Ode at the 2019 Ojude Oba cultural festival/carnival.
The Octogenarian ascended the throne in 1960 at the age of 25 and hailed from the Anikinaiya Ruling family.
There are indications that the ruling House to produce the next Awujale when the stool becomes vacant is the Fusengbuwa Ruling House where the founder of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun, is the Olori Ebi (Head).
Oba Adetona, the Ogbagba 11 and who is often referred to as Orisa Ijebu(god of Ijebu), urged his people to sustain the tempo by ensuring that the stool does not go to moneybags.
The revered monarch urged Ijebu sons and daughters to reject any candidate for the position of the Awujale that could set Ijebuland backward.
In attendance at this year edition of the Ojude Oba cultural festival where over 25,000 participated in the carnival, were Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi; Governor Dapo Abiodun and his wife Bamidele; Deputy Governor Noimot Oyedele – Salako; former Governors Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel; former Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun, Sir Kensington Adebutuc(who was the Special guest of honour), Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Olori Kemi Adetona among others.
The Awujale, who spoke in Yoruba language, advised that the process of selecting the next Awujale should not be politicized.
He stated that if the next ruling house does not present a viable candidate, the people should reject them and go for the next ruling house with a capable candidate.
Oba Adetona said: “When I eventually go, please go for a capable successor. Reject any candidate that will put Ijebuland into retrogression.
“Do not politicize the process of selecting my successor. Do not go for people that will draw Ijebu backward.
“If the next ruling house does not present a viable candidate, please reject them and go for the next ruling house with a capable candidate.
“Do not go for moneybags that will destroy the achievements Ijebuland has recorded so far.
“My prayer is that Ijebuland will continue to grow from strength to strength.
“Call on God for direction when picking my successor. Ask God to guide you.”
