“History Could Be Made” — Push For Female Awujale Gains Ground As Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga Emerges Frontline Contender

‎The push for a female Awujale is fast gaining momentum, it was learnt yesterday.

‎The passing of the 46th Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, after a 65-year reign, has set the stage for a never-before historic succession battle.

‎It is poised to be one that could inevitably see a woman ascend the age-old revered throne for the first time in over 270 years.

‎Among the names quietly resonating within royal and political circles is that of Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga.

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

‎A U.K.-based cultural enthusiast, Angie Speaks, believes it will 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).

‎“History shows us that Ijebuland has never been afraid of strong women in leadership,” a source familiar with the tradition observed.

‎“If the Fusengbuwa family presents her, nothing in the law stops Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga from becoming the next Awujale.”

Far from a ceremonial figurehead, Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga brings a rare blend of royal bloodline, professional distinction, and international recognition.

‎A Partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), she leads the Real Estate Practice Group, combining law, project finance, and policy.

‎With over 20 years in IT and governance, she worked with Deloitte Haskins & Sells, which later indigenised as Adetona Isichei & Co., and served as intergovernmental liaison in the UK and US.

She contributed to Tony Blair’s New Deal Project and Barack Obama’s mortgage relief campaigns, and holds the rare honour of being named a UN Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador for her role in shaping reforms to the U.S.-Africa Trade Law (AGOA).

‎From contesting as a UK councillor in 2002 to serving on Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Committees, she has demonstrated political savvy and grassroots engagement.

‎Her career speaks to an ability to bridge cultures, mobilise stakeholders, and drive reform.

‎Observers see these as qualities critical for a monarch navigating the modern realities of tradition, politics, and development.

‎A commentator stated: “Having a female ruler in Ijebu, especially in the age of rapid information, would draw global attention to the region.

‎”There’s nothing interesting or compelling about crowning another old man, especially now that Nigeria is rapidly progressing on the global stage.” Dr. Onanuga’s rulership could be an incredibly useful diplomatic position connecting Nigeria with the rest of the world.

Another commentator from the UK said: “The first African queen in God knows when isn’t just an interesting story for Nigeria it’s an interesting story for Africa and the rest of the world at large.”

‎Ijebu’s history is steeped in tradition, yet its people have always been forward-looking.

‎For many stakeholders, Dr. Onanuga represents a rare opportunity: royal legitimacy through the Fusengbuwa line; global exposure to law, governance, and diplomacy; and progressive vision of gender inclusion and social impact.

‎“Oba Adetona left a legacy of intellectual courage and progressive thinking,” said a political analyst.

‎“It would not be out of place for Ijebuland to break new ground by enthroning a woman who embodies those same values.”

‎The kingmakers of Ijebuland will soon begin the delicate process of selecting the next Awujale.

‎Tradition dictates their choice, but history allows them room for boldness.

‎”History could be about to be made,” said the analyst.

‎Whether or not Dr. Onanuga emerges, her candidacy has already reframed the narrative.

‎It reminds Ijebuland that the stool is not just about ancestry, but about the ability to lead in a fast-changing world.

‎Should the Fusengbuwa House and the kingmakers look her way, Ijebu could make history again and crown a queen for the future.