45-year-old ex-banker joins Awujale race

45-year-old Ijebu Ode prince from the descendant of Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Olaseni Ottun, has declared his interest in the vacant stool of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.

The exalted throne became vacant in July following the death of the 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

Ottun, an ex-banker and business expert, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, said he was offering himself to build on the legacy of unprecedented development and economic prosperity of Ijebu land, which marked the reign of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Adetona.

The seasoned entrepreneur and former staff member with Petroleum Equalisation Fund, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, pledged to prioritise the development of Ijebuland if given the honour to serve.

He emphasised “the need for a youth-oriented, forward-looking leadership that harnesses innovation while preserving Ijebu’s revered traditions and highly rich cultural heritage.”

Highlighting the kingdom’s prestige, Ottun said, “Ijebuland is one of Africa’s most civilised and industrious societies, renowned for its sophistication, dignity and entrepreneurial spirit.

“Just like our immediate past visionary leader and father, Oba Adetona, who himself ascended the throne at a young age and led with distinction for decades, with the love of the people and Ijebu land in my heart, I will also bring in youthful innovation, energy and fresh perspectives to sustain this legacy of unprecedented leadership.”

He reaffirmed his respect for the 1957 Western State Chieftaincy Declaration, which governs the rotation of the Awujale throne among the Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote ruling houses.

Ottun stressed that the next Awujale must embody wisdom, courage, and integrity; a leader who preserves the dignity of the throne while championing inclusive development.

“Leadership is not about holding authority, but about vision, influence, and the ability to inspire.

The Awujale throne represents honour, tradition, and responsibility; these are part of my interest,” the business expert said.

Born in August 1980, Prince Ottun is the Executive Director of Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, and a seasoned banker with over two decades of experience in Nigeria’s financial and consulting industries.

He began his career at KPMG in 2001 before joining the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (NNPC subsidiary) in 2002, where he served until 2006.

His banking career includes notable tenures at Zenith Bank (2006–2008) and Bank PHB/Keystone Bank (2008–2013), during which he earned multiple commendations for excellence and innovation.

Ottun joined Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited in 2013, where his professionalism and leadership quickly propelled him to the role of Executive Director.

He currently serves on the boards of seven reputable companies, including Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, Flips Limited, BOT Engineers Limited, Riverdale Financial Services Ltd, Smarbo Engineering Limited, and S.R. Ottun’s Stores.

Ottun’s declaration comes on the heels of the passage of the three-month mourning period for the immediate past paramount ruler, Oba Adetona, who transited in July.

Customarily, the selection of the new Awujale can begin after the three-month mourning period of the previous holder of the title.

The late Awujale, Oba Adetona, was 26 years old when he was crowned the 57th Awujale of Ijebuland on April 2, 1960.

culled from punch