A fresh chapter in the succession race for the revered Awujale stool unfolded at the weekend as 45-year-old Prince Olaseni Ottun, a descendant of the Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, formally signalled his intention to contest the exalted throne of Ijebuland.
The highly venerated seat became vacant in July following the passing of the iconic 91-year-old monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose 65-year reign is widely regarded as one of the most transformative eras in Ijebu history. With the traditional three-month mourning period now concluded, stakeholders have begun to align ahead of the selection process.
Prince Ottun, an ex-banker turned corporate strategist, said in a statement issued on Sunday that his aspiration is anchored on a commitment to sustain the developmental strides and economic expansion that flourished under the late Awujale.
He positioned himself as a bridge between tradition and innovation, underscoring the urgency for “youth-oriented, forward-looking leadership that embraces modern solutions while upholding the dignity and cultural heritage of Ijebuland.”
Describing the kingdom as “one of Africa’s most civilised and industrious societies,” Ottun emphasised the need for a monarch with the energy to consolidate on the legacies of the past while steering the Ijebu nation into a competitive future.
Drawing inspiration from Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne at 26 and ruled with uncommon distinction, he pledged to bring “youthful innovation, energy and fresh perspectives” to the ancient institution, should he earn the blessing of the kingmakers.
Prince Ottun reaffirmed his adherence to the 1957 Western Region Chieftaincy Declaration, which prescribes the rotational order among the Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote ruling houses. He stressed that the next Awujale must embody “wisdom, courage and integrity,” with the capacity to inspire inclusive progress across all communities.
“Leadership is not simply the exercise of authority but the delivery of vision and impact,” he said, adding that the Awujale stool represents “honour, tradition and responsibility”—values he is prepared to uphold.
Born in August 1980, Ottun currently serves as Executive Director of Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited and sits on the boards of several notable firms including Flips Limited, BOT Engineers Limited, Riverdale Financial Services, Smarbo Engineering Limited, and S.R. Ottun’s Stores.
His professional trajectory spans over two decades, beginning at KPMG in 2001 before joining the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, where he served until 2006. He later held banking roles at Zenith Bank and Bank PHB/Keystone Bank, earning multiple commendations for innovation during his corporate career.
Ottun’s declaration is expected to intensify interest around one of the most keenly followed traditional successions in the South-West, particularly given the towering legacy of the late Oba Adetona, who became the 57th Awujale on 2 April 1960 at the age of 26.
