Otunba Fatai Arowolo Announces Bid for Awujale of Ijebuland Throne

Otunba Fatai Olusegun Arowolo, a prominent indigen of Ijebuland and respected engineering entrepreneur, has officially declared his intention to contest for the prestigious stool of Awujale of Ijebuland, signaling his commitment to uphold and advance the region’s rich traditions and future progress.

In a formal letter addressed to the Olori Ebi of the Fusegbuwa Ruling House on 19th September 2025, Otunba Arowolo traced his lineage to the Bubiade-Jadiara branch of the Fusegbuwa Royal Family and underscored his deep roots in the community, blending royal heritage with his extensive professional accomplishments.

The Awujale stool, currently vacant following the illustrious reign of Alayeluwa Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, symbolizes the embodiment of integrity, dedication, and visionary leadership—qualities Otunba Arowolo pledges to bring if entrusted with the position.

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Vision for Ijebuland

Otunba Arowolo’s leadership vision is focused on fostering a prosperous, progressive, and harmonious Ijebuland. His proposed blueprint highlights sustaining harmony within the Fusegbuwa Ruling House to strengthen traditional unity, promoting cohesion among the Ijebu people, and leveraging the human and material resources of Ijebu-Ode and the wider Ijebuland for accelerated development.

Moreover, he emphasizes effective collaboration with all tiers of government to ensure Ijebuland’s rightful place in Nigeria’s national affairs while preserving the cultural heritage through active engagement of all traditional stakeholders.

Born on 20th June 1949, Otunba Arowolo attended Ansar-Ud-Primary School and Ijebu Muslim College before earning a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos, where he was a Van Leer Scholar for academic excellence.

His extensive engineering career includes postgraduate training in the United States and a professional trajectory culminating as Joint Chairman of ARON Nigeria Ltd, a leading construction engineering firm responsible for landmark projects such as the Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Gateway International Stadia in Ijebu-Ode, and multiple state stadiums.

Community Service and Recognition

Beyond his professional pursuits, Otunba Arowolo has been an active community leader—serving as a local government councilor, board member of Gateway Pharmaceutical Company, and a patron of several cultural and religious organizations. Notably, he donated an ultramodern Eid prayer ground to the Ijebu-Ode Muslim community and supports annual pilgrimages for both Muslim and Christian faithful.

His numerous chieftaincy titles and appointments reflect wide recognition for his contributions to the spiritual, cultural, and social fabric of Ijebuland.

Otunba Fatai Olusegun Arowolo’s candidacy for the Awujale stool is rooted in a blend of royal heritage, professional distinction, and an inclusive vision for Ijebuland’s development. As the people of Ijebuland prepare for the selection of their next monarch, his declaration sets a promising tone for leadership that respects tradition while embracing future progress.