Adeyemi Ruling House Kicks Against Exclusion from Anikilaya Dynasty in Awujale Succession

August 17, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Adeyemi ruling house of the Anikilaya dynasty has faulted what it described as its unlawful exclusion from the list of ruling houses entitled to produce candidates for the exalted stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The development comes in the wake of preparations to fill the vacant stool following the demise of the 58th Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors last month. The late monarch, who reigned for over six decades, was a direct descendant of the Anikilaya ruling house.

In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, signed by Adedeji Ademola Adeyemi, the Adeyemi family alleged that a section of the Anikilaya ruling house had deliberately altered historical records in order to erase their lineage from succession rights.

According to the statement, “Adeyemi Anikilaya was the eldest crown prince of the late Oba Anikilaya Saagun, while Ogbagba and Ademolu were his remaining two sons. By virtue of this, the Adeyemi family stands as an integral part of the Anikilaya dynasty and cannot be excluded from the ruling line.”

The family further warned that the distortion of history not only undermines the integrity of the royal succession process but also threatens the peace and unity of the Ijebu traditional institution.

They called on the kingmakers, the Ijebu Traditional Council, and relevant authorities in Ogun State to intervene swiftly and restore fairness to the process by recognizing the Adeyemis as a legitimate branch of the Anikilaya dynasty.

The statement emphasized that the family remains committed to preserving the rich heritage of the Ijebu people and ensuring that the legacy of their forebears is not erased by political maneuverings or personal interests.

As the race to succeed the late Oba Adetona gathers momentum, the controversy surrounding the Adeyemi family’s exclusion is expected to shape conversations within Ijebu Ode and beyond, as stakeholders closely watch the unfolding events in the ancient kingdom.