Calls for female Awujale grow as Dr Oluwakemi Onanuga shows interest

The calls for a female Awujale is fast gaining momentum just as the name of Dr Oluwakemi Onanuga keeps popping up within royal and political circles in Ijebu land.

‎The passing of the 46th Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, after a 65-year reign, has set the stage for a historic succession battle.

‎While the Fusengbuwa family- the next in line for the throne – deepens its search for the right candidate, Dr Oluwakemi Onanuga, quietly made her interest known and she is fast attracting interest and could be the woman to ascend the age-old revered throne for the first time in over 270 years.

‎She is seen as a formidable candidate whose royal lineage, global leadership credentials, and passion for progressive governance are fuelling conversations across the Ijebu nation.

‎A U.K.-based cultural enthusiast, Angie Speaks, believes it would be fitting for the next monarch to be a woman from Ijebu Ode – the fabled burial place of one of the most powerful historical female queens.

‎”Imagine what the choice of a woman will do to the Black diaspora audience worldwide, whose curiosity is all about one of the most famous women who ever lived—Queen of Sheba (Bilikisu Sungbo), whose burial site is today in Oke-Eri in Ijebu Ode,” Speaks said.

‎The Awujale stool is one of Nigeria’s most enduring thrones, its succession governed by a rotational order among four ruling houses: Anikilaiya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa.

‎With Oba Adetona hailing from the Anikilaiya House, the crown now shifts to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House—the very lineage from which Dr. Onanuga descends.

Her maternal line traces directly to Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I (Aboki), who was brought from Ago-Iwoye to ascend the throne from 1886 to 1895 as the 47th Awujale of Ijebu land. He occupied the throne during the Imagbon War and was the only male scion of Fusengbuwa.

Dr. Onanuga is a legitimate contender under the 1957 Chieftaincy Declarations that regulate succession.

‎While the declarations prefer male candidates, they do not bar women.

‎History records at least three female Awujales – Oba Gadegun (1644), Oba Ore Jeje (1749), and Oba Sapennuwa Ruwa Koye (1750).