Culture
Opinion: Why Is Abimbola Onabanjo Desperate For The Awujale Stool by Gbenga Odugbesan
by Gbenga Odugbesan
The Awujale of Ijebu Land is not merely a crown; it is a sacred trust rooted in centuries of custom, lineage, and collective consent. It is deeply alarming that, right before the beginning of the nomination process for the open stool, a single name, Abimbola Onabanjo, has been relentlessly amplified across blogs, social media, and online news platforms as the “new Awujale,” raising serious questions not just about the individual involved, but about the motivations behind such premature narratives.
More disturbing is the scale and coordination of the publicity. Media observers and social media monitors estimate that no fewer than 70 bloggers and content promoters, operating across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (X), including several obscure and anonymously run platforms, have circulated the same unverified reports presenting Abimbola Onabanjo as the Awujale-in-waiting, or worse, as the crowned monarch himself. The repetition of identical language, imagery, and celebratory framing suggests something more deliberate than coincidence.
True leadership demands accountability. It would have reflected integrity for Abimbola to own the spread of these unverified reports. To now distance himself by blaming supporters for what is plainly a coordinated false-news campaign is disingenuous and unworthy of the moral stature required of a contender for the revered stool. Approval of misinformation, whether active or passive, undermines the dignity of the throne being sought.
Why the rush? Why the insistence on public coronation before traditional endorsement? In some quarters, Abimbola has been referred to as the online Awujale!
When an aspirant appear more invested in controlling the media narrative than respecting the process, it inevitably creates the impression of desperation for power and of poisoning the selection process before it starts.
The implications for Ijebu unity cannot be ignored. A kingship contest involving over 60 contenders requires restraint at the highest level. An aspirant falsely elevating himself prematurely risks inflaming tensions within the Fusengbuwa family, delegitimizing the eventual outcome, and dragging a revered institution into unnecessary controversy.
It must also be asked whether this aggressive narrative reflects a deeper anxiety about relevance and authority.
This is not a declaration of guilt, nor a denial of Abimbola Onabanjo’s lineage or possible eligibility—if such eligibility exists. Rather, it is a call for restraint, transparency, and respect for tradition. True royalty does not need to shout. It waits.
Until the rites are completed, the staff formally handed over, and the people of Ijebu Land collectively recognize their monarch, there is no Awujale. Any portrayal to the contrary, whether by 70 bloggers or a hundred more, is premature and misleading.
Power pursued too loudly often exposes its own insecurity. And in the matter of the Awujale’s throne, patience is not weakness; it is tradition.
Gbenga Odugbesan is a social commentator, an Ijebu indigene, but writes from the United States of America
Culture
A Year of Roots and Radiance: OruntoOwuAbeokuta Celebrates One Year of Preserving Owu’s Cultural Crown
www.oruntoowuabeokuta.org.ng , the premier online platform dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Egbas, and Abeokuta, is proud to celebrate its first anniversary.
Screenshot
Over the past year, OruntoOwuAbeokuta has established itself as a vibrant hub for cultural enthusiasts, researchers, and the Owu community to explore and engage with their roots.
Through its comprehensive work, the platform has preserved historical narratives, traditional practices, and contemporary updates, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.
Orunto Owu Abeokuta has fostered community engagement through interactive forums, events, and festivals like Odun Omo Olowu, uniting Owu descendants worldwide.
The platform has also provided valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts interested in Owu history, socio-political contributions, and cultural significance.
“We are thrilled to mark this milestone and appreciate the unwavering support from our community,” said the management team. “Our impact extends beyond cultural promotion, contributing to the Owu Kingdom and Abeokuta’s economy and tourism.
Initiatives like Odun Omo Olowu and Lisabi Festival have attracted international attention, boosting local businesses and skill promotions.”
With over 350 articles, write-ups, and pieces published within a year, the website is a treasure trove of interesting reads and stories told through captivating 1000+ photos.
OruntoOwuAbeokuta’s dynamic nature is a testament to its commitment to growth and development.
“Reading makes a healthy life and personal development,” and OruntoOwuAbeokuta is a shining example of this philosophy in action. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta history.”
The platform is a brainchild of Chief Abiodun Lasile, the Orunto Owu Kingdom Abeokuta and Founder/Coordinator The SixthSense Initiative and Sixth Sense Series Publications
Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (Ogun Chapter)
www.oruntoowuabeokuta.org.ng , the premier online platform dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Egbas, and Abeokuta, is proud to celebrate its first anniversary.
Over the past year, OruntoOwuAbeokuta has established itself as a vibrant hub for cultural enthusiasts, researchers, and the Owu community to explore and engage with their roots.
Through its comprehensive work, the platform has preserved historical narratives, traditional practices, and contemporary updates, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.
Orunto Owu Abeokuta has fostered community engagement through interactive forums, events, and festivals like Odun Omo Olowu, uniting Owu descendants worldwide.
The platform has also provided valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts interested in Owu history, socio-political contributions, and cultural significance.
“We are thrilled to mark this milestone and appreciate the unwavering support from our community,” said the management team.
“Our impact extends beyond cultural promotion, contributing to the Owu Kingdom and Abeokuta’s economy and tourism. Initiatives like Odun Omo Olowu and Lisabi Festival have attracted international attention, boosting local businesses and skill promotions.”
With over 350 articles, write-ups, and pieces published within a year, the website is a treasure trove of interesting reads and stories told through captivating 1000+ photos.
OruntoOwuAbeokuta’s dynamic nature is a testament to its commitment to growth and development.
“Reading makes a healthy life and personal development,” and OruntoOwuAbeokuta is a shining example of this philosophy in action. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta history.
The platform is the brainchild of Chief Abiodun Lasile, Orunto Owu Kingdom Abeokuta and Founder Coordinator The SixthSense Initiative and Sixth Sense Series Publications
He is also the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (Ogun Chapter)
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, PhD., FNSE, Otileta VII, has commended leaders and members of the Ogun State Chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (Ogun FIBAN) for ensuring a peaceful and orderly leadership transition that ushered in the association’s new executive.
According to a statement issued by the association through its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olusoji Akindiya (Okanlomo), the monarch gave this commendation during a courtesy visit by the newly inaugurated Ogun FIBAN Executive, led by its Chairman, Chief Olalekan Shoyinka, popularly known as “Ayinla Egba,” at his palace in Oke Ago-Owu on Wednesday, 4th March, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Shoyinka expressed deep appreciation to Kabiyesi for granting the delegation audience and lauded the Olowu’s royal charisma as well as his consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence among his people.
He highlighted the vital role of FIBAN in society, describing its members as grassroots media practitioners and the voice of the voiceless who create impactful content across radio, television, and digital platforms, with chapters nationwide.
Chief Shoyinka assured the monarch of Ogun FIBAN’s readiness to support programmes of the Owu Palace and its people, while also requesting that the association be actively involved in palace engagements where media partnership would be beneficial.
In his response, Oba Matemilola expressed delight at the renewed unity within Ogun FIBAN and urged members to work diligently to sustain the harmony and progress recorded so far.
He reminded broadcasters of the enormous influence they wield in society, encouraging them to deploy the “power of the tongue” responsibly for positive development.
The Olowu further assured the delegation of the palace’s full support and pledged that Ogun FIBAN would henceforth be fully integrated into palace programmes and public engagements.
The occasion was also used by Chief Shoyinka to formally invite His Royal Majesty to the forthcoming 2026 World Radio Day celebration organised by Ogun FIBAN, scheduled for Friday, 13th February, where the monarch is expected to serve as the Royal Father of the Day.
The Ogun FIBAN delegation included Comrade Moses Okunlola (General Secretary), Comrade Oluwatoyin Asakpa (Financial Secretary), Comrade Olusoji Akindiya (Okanlomo), Publicity Secretary, Comrade Betty Adejare (Welfare Officer), Comrade Olalekan Atanda, Comrade Wasiu Alani (Jejelomo), Comrade Tolulope Ezekiel Obadare (Aboki Ijesa), Comrade Emmanuel Somuyiwa, Comrade Oluwaseun Adesanya, and Comrade Bafunso Kehinde.
The visit concluded with the presentation of an honorary plaque from the FIBAN National Office to the Olowu of Owu Kingdom as a mark of respect and a lasting symbol of the cordial engagement.
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