Sources close to the Ijebu Council of Chiefs told PUNCH Online that the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has selected Kuku for the vacant position and that a date for his installation will be announced in due course.
The title, Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land (Leader of Commerce and Industry in Ijebu) is one of the biggest titles in Ijebu and is bestowed on recipients according to the prerogative of the Awujale.
It is the most prestigious chieftaincy title in the Awujale administration and the highest non-hereditary title an Ijebu can aspire to. It is usually given to successful businessmen who are accomplished in their chosen career.
The first Ogbeni Oja was the late Chief Adeola Odutola, an Ijebu icon who in his lifetime was easily one of the most successful industrialists in Yorubaland. When he died, the Awujale made Otunba Bayo Kuku, the next Ogbeni Oja.
The position has been vacant since 2015 when the last occupant died.
The source said, “The new Ogbeni Oja, who turns 80 years old on January 3, 2024, is a legendary and highly distinguished personality from the illustrious Balogun Odueyingbo Kuku Family of Ita Ntebo, Ijebu-Ode who has made indelible marks in the fields of medicine, academics, business, commerce, culture and tradition, particularly in the world-famous Ojude Oba Festival.
“He is a master physician, an accomplished endocrinologist, a renowned scholar, administrator and entrepreneur par excellence. He is ex-Kings College and holds several degrees and Fellowships in medicine, including two doctorates.
“He has been the Joint Chief Medical Director and Co-Chairman at the EKO Hospital (Ekocorp Plc) which he co-founded in 1978 and is the only quoted hospital in the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the first Federal Government recognised private tertiary hospital.
“The Iwuye ceremony shall be announced soonest.”
