Otunba (Dr.) Adekunle Olubola Hassan has formally announced that he wants to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland. He said he is ready to build on the achievements of the former Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on July 13, 2025 after 65 years on the throne.
Dr. Hassan made this declaration on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Igboburo compound in Ijebu-Ode. The gathering included princes, princesses, chiefs, and respected members of the community. Important figures like the Aladeken of Oke Ako, Oba Adenola Osunsanmi, Professor Fassy Yusuf, and Prince Akinola Odedina were all present.
The Awujale stool is one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional titles. The late Oba Adetona turned the throne into a symbol of honour and modern leadership. Many people believe that only a successor with strong experience, exposure, and character can maintain this legacy.
During his speech, Dr. Hassan asked everyone to observe a minute of silence in honour of the late Awujale. He talked about his long relationship with the palace and his work in the Council of Otunbas. He said he wants to continue the good work of Oba Adetona by providing transformational leadership, attracting global partnerships, and protecting Ijebu culture.
After his declaration, several leaders expressed their support. Professor Fassy Yusuf and Prince Odedina described him as highly qualified because of his professional achievements and international exposure. He also became the first prince to publicly announce his interest in the throne.
Dr. Hassan is a respected eye surgeon with an international reputation. Born on January 26, 1951, he attended Ilesa Grammar School and Ijebu Muslim College before earning a medical degree from the University of Lagos in 1976. He trained further in ophthalmology abroad at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow, Scotland.
When he returned to Nigeria in 1993, he founded the Eye Foundation Hospital Group, which became the first private postgraduate training centre for eye specialists in Nigeria. In 2006, he established the Deseret Community Vision Institute. These institutions have treated thousands of patients and trained many eye-care professionals. He is known for his expertise in complex eye surgeries.
He is also respected internationally. He is a fellow of several top medical bodies in the UK and Africa, and has held leadership roles in major global eye-care organizations. He even became the first African to win the ICO “Mark Tso Golden Apple Award” for excellence in medical education.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Hassan has held leadership positions in business and education. He has been on the board of Diamond Bank (now Access Bank) and has chaired several major institutions, including the board of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.
In Ijebuland, Dr. Hassan is well respected. He holds traditional titles such as Otunba Obaruwa of Akile Ijebu. In 2025, he became the head (Olori Ebi) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, placing him at the centre of royal affairs. He is also known as a quiet philanthropist who supports eye care and social welfare programmes.
If he becomes Awujale, Dr. Hassan plans to focus on four major areas:
- Health and Well-being
- Education and Human Capital
- Economic Development and Infrastructure
- Unity, Heritage, and Good Governance
He wants to make Ijebuland a centre of excellent healthcare, starting with eye health and expanding to general community health. He plans to support regular medical outreach, preventive healthcare, and improved health facilities.
Education is another top priority. He wants to support scholarships, technical training, research, and attract professionals from the diaspora to help Ijebuland grow.
Dr. Hassan also hopes to boost the local economy by encouraging partnerships with government and private investors to develop infrastructure, support small businesses, and create jobs.
Culturally, he plans to promote unity among all Ijebu communities and preserve traditions while also supporting modern development. He emphasises fairness, transparency, and accountability.
With his global exposure, professional reputation, and deep connection to Ijebu tradition, Dr. Hassan believes he can provide leadership that respects culture while embracing progress. His vision is to build an Ijebuland where culture, development, and community well-being go hand in hand.
