45-year-old prince of Ijebu Ode, Olaseni Ottun, from the Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, has formally announced his interest in ascending the vacant Awujale stool, the paramount traditional throne in Ijebuland.
The revered position became vacant in July following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the 91-year-old monarch who sat on the throne for an extraordinary 65 years.
Ottun, a former banker and accomplished business professional, said in a statement issued on Sunday that he was offering himself for service to sustain and advance the legacy of remarkable growth and economic progress attained during the reign of the late Awujale.
The experienced entrepreneur, who previously worked with the Petroleum Equalisation Fund—a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited—affirmed his commitment to prioritising the continued development of Ijebuland if given the privilege to lead.
Olaseni Ottun, a 45-year-old prince of Ijebu Ode and descendant of the Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, has officially declared his interest in the vacant Awujale stool, the paramount traditional throne of Ijebuland.
The revered position became vacant in July following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died at the age of 91 after an extraordinary 65-year reign.
A former banker and seasoned business professional, Ottun told journalists on Sunday that he is offering himself to build upon the legacy of unprecedented development and economic prosperity achieved during Oba Adetona’s reign.
The entrepreneur, who previously worked with the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, pledged to prioritize the growth and development of Ijebuland if entrusted with the honor of leadership.
Ottun emphasized the importance of “youth-oriented, forward-looking leadership that embraces innovation while preserving Ijebu’s rich cultural heritage and time-honored traditions.”
Speaking on the kingdom’s legacy, he noted, “Ijebuland is one of Africa’s most civilised and industrious societies, renowned for its sophistication, dignity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Just as our immediate past visionary leader, Oba Adetona, ascended the throne at a young age and led with distinction for decades, I too will bring youthful energy, innovation, and fresh perspectives to sustain this legacy of exceptional leadership.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to the 1957 Western State Chieftaincy Declaration, which regulates the rotation of the Awujale throne among the Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote ruling houses.
Ottun emphasized that the next Awujale must exemplify wisdom, courage, and integrity—a leader who upholds the dignity of the throne while promoting inclusive development across Ijebuland.
“The Awujale throne embodies honour, tradition, and responsibility—values that guide my interest in this role,” said the business expert.
Born in August 1980, Prince Olaseni Ottun is the Executive Director of Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited and a seasoned banker with more than two decades of experience in Nigeria’s financial and consulting sectors.
He began his professional journey at KPMG in 2001 before joining the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, where he served from 2002 to 2006.
Ottun’s banking career spans notable positions at Zenith Bank (2006–2008) and Bank PHB/Keystone Bank (2008–2013), during which he received multiple commendations for excellence and innovative contributions.
Ottun joined Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited in 2013, where his professionalism and leadership quickly earned him the position of Executive Director.
He currently serves on the boards of seven reputable companies, including Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, Flips Limited, BOT Engineers Limited, Riverdale Financial Services Ltd, Smarbo Engineering Limited, and S.R. Ottun’s Stores.
His declaration to contest the Awujale throne follows the completion of the customary three-month mourning period for the immediate past ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away in July. Traditionally, the process of selecting a new Awujale begins only after this mourning period.
Oba Adetona, according to reports by the PUNCH, ascended the throne as the 57th Awujale of Ijebuland at the age of 26 on April 2, 1960, and went on to reign for an unprecedented 65 years.
