December 24, (THEWILL) – Eight years after the highly coveted chieftaincy post was left vacant, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona has picked Olor’ogun (Dr) Sunny Folorunso Kuku as the new Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland.
The Ogbeni Oja title is about the most prestigious chieftaincy title in Ijebuland and the highest non-hereditary title an Ijebu man can aspire to. The holder of the title is also automatically a king maker.
Upon confirmation, Olor’ogun Kuku will become the third Ijebu man in modern history to be so honoured after the llate Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola and High Chief Bayo Kuku who last held the post till his demise in 2015.
The Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land title, otherwise known as the leader of commerce and industry in Ijebu, is a highly contentious one. The intrigues and competition that comes into play concerning who takes the title, naturally causes the Awujale such a long delay in the selection of the new holder. The title is usually given to a very successful businessman who is accomplished in his chosen career – at the prerogative of the Awujale.
Prominent names of illustrious Ijebu men that had featured over the years in the contest for the title are accomplished businessmen, founder of Fototek boss, Chief Adegunwa and the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko. The contest is now rested with Kuku’s selection. The date for his installation ceremony is yet to be announced.
Kuku who will be turning 80 on January 3, 2024 is an accomplished medical doctor, businessman and highly distinguished personality from the Balogun Odueyingbo Kuku Family of Ita Ntebo, Ijebu-Ode. He is the Joint Chief Medical Director and co-chairman of Eneli, Kuku, Obiora aka EKO Hospital or Ekocorp Plc, which he co-founded in 1978. It is the only quoted hospital on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the first Federal Government-recognised private hospital.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
