Adekunle Hassan: The Ophthalmic Surgeon Who Wants to Mount Awujale Throne

Oladapo Adedeji

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hoosing the next Awujale of Ijebuland has set off a quiet contest within royal families and among kingmakers. While the process remains rooted in tradition, changing interests are shaping the race. Attention is now on a leading contender whose name and background are now at the centre of the conversation.

The stool of the Awujale is one of the most respected traditional positions in Nigeria. The late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years, transformed it into a symbol of dignity, reform, and modern governance. His legacy of education, institutional development, and cultural promotion has set a high standard that many believe only a well-prepared, well-exposed, and deeply rooted successor can maintain.

Now, as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House begins internal consultations, the political and traditional temperature across Ijebuland is rising. With multiple interests aligning and colliding, the race is no longer a quiet family affair. It has become a matter of broad public conversation across Ijebu and the diaspora.

Recently, the race took a significant turn when one of Ijebu’s most prominent sons, Otunba Dr Adekunle Olubola Hassan, formally declared his intention to contest for the stool.

His declaration has drawn unprecedented attention to the process, prompting questions about tradition, merit, public service, and what the future Awujale must represent in a rapidly evolving world.

A Declaration That Raised the Stake

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the Judiara Hall in Odedina Compound, Igboburo, Ijebu-Ode, was packed with princes, princesses, chiefs, and community leaders as Dr Hassan made his formal declaration before the Judiara royal family. The gathering was packed with symbolism, royalty, age-long history, and a visible yearning for stability after the transition of the late Oba Adetona.

From the Aladeken of Oke Ako, Oba Adenola Osunsanmi, to the Baagbimo of Ijebuland, Professor Fassy Yusuf, and the head of the Jadiara royal family, Prince Akinola Odedina, the hall reflected both tradition and a cautious hope for continuity.

Prince Odedina saluted the “courage and unity” of the family during the sensitive period following the transition of the late monarch. He reminded the gathering that the turn of his family, Jadiara, within the Fusengbuwa ruling cycle had come, urging members to intensify prayers and remain united as the process unfolds.

In his speech, Dr Hassan began with a request for a minute of silence in honour of Oba Adetona, noting the late monarch’s monumental contributions to Ijebuland and Nigeria. He spoke about his long relationship with the palace, his work within the Council of Otunbas, and his desire to build on the foundation laid by the late Awujale.

“I present myself for the highest royal stool in Ijebuland to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past Awujale and serve humanity,” he said, promising to bring transformational leadership, attract global partnerships, and maintain the cultural dignity of the throne.

Endorsements followed his declaration. Both Professor Fassy Yusuf and Prince Odedina described him as “most qualified,” highlighting his global exposure, professional accomplishments, and community service.

The declaration made Hassan the first Ijebu prince to formally announce his interest, giving him a strong early presence in a race still taking shape.

A Delicate Selection Process Under Watchful Eyes

The contest is currently unfolding among the seven families that make up the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. According to Professor Fassy Yusuf, the Ogun State Government recently directed that the three Olori-Ebis previously heading separate branches of the ruling house fuse into one body to ensure order and transparency. Following the merger, Otunba Abdul-Lateef Owoyemi emerged as chairman, while Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba became deputy chairman.

The government also mandated the refund of all funds previously collected from applicants who had bought expression-of-interest forms from former factional heads. This move was seen as an attempt to sanitise the process and ensure fairness.

The stool of the Awujale, though deeply rooted in tradition, often attracts strong political interest. The late Oba Adetona was known for standing his ground against political interference, a legacy that the Ijebu public now expects to continue.

Many believe that the strength, independence, and stature of the next Awujale will play a significant role in how Ijebuland navigates future cultural, economic, and political realities. This is why the candidacy of Dr Hassan is drawing strong attention: he is entering the race not as a businessman seeking a throne but as a global professional with decades of service behind him.

The Ophthalmic Surgeon Who Wants to Be Awujale

If the contest for the Awujale stool were based on professional accomplishments alone, Dr Adekunle Hassan would stand above most contenders. But the race also weighs tradition, lineage, palace experience, and community service.

Dr Hassan is an internationally-recognised consultant ophthalmic surgeon with specialities in vitreo-retina, glaucoma, anterior segment, cataract, and oculo-plastic surgery. He founded the Eye Foundation Hospital Group, the first group-practice eye care system in Nigeria, and one of the most widely respected in Africa.

He was the first African to receive the ICO Mark Tso Golden Apple Award, one of the highest global recognitions in ophthalmic education.

Dr Hassan was born on January 26, 1951, he attended Ilesa Grammar School, Muslim College Ijebu-Ode, and later the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where he graduated in 1976. His postgraduate training took him across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, including the renowned Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology in Glasgow under Professor Wallace Foulds.

His institutions have provided eye care to more than two million Nigerians, performed more than 200,000 surgeries, and trained over 60 ophthalmologists. Eye Foundation was also Nigeria’s first accredited centre for the prestigious IJCHAPO examination.

Beyond medicine, Dr Hassan has held leadership positions in multiple international medical associations, including serving eight years as president of the Africa Ophthalmological Council. He has also served on corporate boards, including a decade on the board of Diamond Bank (now Access Bank).

In the Ijebu traditional system, Dr. Hassan holds the title of Otunba Obaruwa Baa Imole of Ijebuland, conferred by the late Awujale in 2009. He has served as first vice chairman of the Council of Otunbas and chairs committees connected to the Ijebu Development Initiative and major cultural events.

Balancing Heritage and Leadership Today

The race for the next Awujale goes beyond individual personalities. It raises a bigger question: what should a modern Awujale be?

Many Ijebu people remember the late Oba Adetona for raising the standard. His reforms, support for education, and protection of tradition created a vision of a monarch who could lead with modern ideas while preserving cultural values.

Now, the next Awujale is expected to combine diplomacy, cultural leadership, community influence, and the ability to engage both government and international partners.

Within Ijebuland, people often talk about the qualities they want: Honesty and integrity; Deep understanding of Ijebu traditions; Ability to attract development; Strong global connections; Accessibility to the people; Firmness and moral authority.

These expectations are shaping how communities view the candidates. Many want someone who can build on Oba Adetona’s legacy but also bring new energy and direction.

For them, the ideal leader is someone who understands modern leadership, can represent Ijebu culture internationally, and will protect the dignity of the stool from political interference.

Ijebu People Watch as the Race Unfolds

Across Ijebuland, the contest for the Awujale stool has become a topic of interest. Conversations now dominate town halls, market squares, social gatherings, and online platforms. From age-grade associations to diaspora organisations, everyone seems keen to follow each announcement, each royal meeting, and every gesture from the aspirants.

Some members of the community are optimistic that the process will be orderly. They see the recent restructuring within the ruling house and the fusion of the Olori-Ebis of Fusenguwa ruling house as evidence that the succession framework is now more transparent and coordinated. These changes, they say, could help reduce disputes and ensure that the process reflects both tradition and fairness.

Yet, others remain cautious. They worry that external influences from political actors, wealthy elites, and business interests might complicate the selection, risking delays or disputes that could overshadow the integrity of the process.

Despite the uncertainties, one thing is unanimous: the people of Ijebuland are looking for a leader who embodies the values of the kingdom. They want a monarch who will safeguard tradition, ensure justice is served, and elevate Ijebuland’s profile not just within Nigeria, but on the international stage.

Dr Hassan’s Pitch: Continuity, Development, and Global Partnerships

In his declaration speech, Dr Hassan made a bold case for why he believes he is the right man for the throne. He highlighted the achievements of the late monarch, describing him as “the best thing that ever happened to Ijebuland”, and emphasised that the next Awujale must be one who can consolidate on such a strong legacy.

He reminded his audience of his closeness to the palace during the late Awujale’s reign, his leadership in various Ijebu institutions, and his global exposure.

He promised that, if chosen, he would offer: Transformational leadership built on tradition, Global partnerships that attract investments to Ijebuland, Continuity of cultural values, Transparency and accountability and Support for education and healthcare.

He ended his speech by confirming that he had submitted his expression of interest forms and completed the required application processes.

What the Selection Means for the Future of Ijebuland

The stool of the Awujale has always shaped the identity and influence of Ijebuland. Under Oba Adetona, Ijebu became a centre of cultural excellence, economic aspiration, and political clarity. His reign defined a generation and set a standard that will be difficult to surpass.

The selection of the next Awujale will determine how Ijebuland navigates the next decades, whether the region strengthens its cultural heritage, expands its influence, attracts greater development, or loses momentum.

Whether tradition, merit, lineage, public service, or palace politics ultimately determine the outcome, the next Awujale will inherit one of Nigeria’s most influential stools and carry the expectations of millions.

For now, the race continues. And Ijebuland waits.

Adedeji writes from Ijebo-Ode, Ogun State.