Respected ophthalmic surgeon and community leader, Otunba Dr. Adekunle Olubola Hassan, has officially declared his intention to contest for the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, pledging to build on the enduring legacy of the late Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The declaration took place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Igboburo Compound, Ijebu-Ode, before royal fathers, Otunbas, princes, princesses, community leaders, and members of the press.
In a symbolic moment during the event, the newly elected Olori-Ebi (Head) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief (Prof.) Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf, publicly raised Dr. Hassan’s hand, signifying the family’s recognition and support for his candidature. The gesture drew applause from the large gathering, which included traditional chiefs and descendants from across Ijebuland.
“The Awujale stool is not for outsiders, and it is not for sale,” Chief Yusuf reaffirmed. “We stand by truth, merit, and heritage — and will support only genuine sons of the Fusengbuwa family who embody integrity and service.”
In his address, Dr. Hassan described the late Oba Sikiru Adetona as “a colossus who gave Ijebuland global identity,” adding that any successor must reflect similar values of courage, humility, and statesmanship.
“Awujale Adetona’s footprints are everywhere — in education, governance, and culture,” he said. “This is not the time for indecision or complacency. I am offering myself with humility and determination to serve our great kingdom and provide transformational leadership built on legacy and progress.”
He noted that his Expression of Interest and Application Form had been formally submitted to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, promising full cooperation with all family units and the kingmakers.
“If God grants me the grace to ascend the throne, I will continue the work of unity, development, and enlightenment that Kabiyesi Adetona began. My leadership will be intentional, inclusive, and focused on sustaining the pride of Ijebuland,” he assured.
Dr. Adekunle Hassan, born January 26, 1951, is the Founder and Chief Medical Director of the Eye Foundation Hospital Group, Nigeria’s first multi-specialist eye care and post-graduate training institution.
An internationally acclaimed Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Dr. Hassan is the first African recipient of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Mark Tso Golden Apple Award, a recognition for exceptional achievement in ophthalmic education.
Trained in Glasgow, Scotland, he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Glasgow), Royal College of Ophthalmology (UK), World Medical Association of Refractive Surgery, and the West African College of Surgeons.
Since establishing the Eye Foundation Hospital in 1993, Dr. Hassan has led initiatives that have treated over two million Nigerians, performed more than 200,000 surgeries, and trained hundreds of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals.
A proud son of Ijebu-Ode, Dr. Hassan holds several traditional titles, including Otunba Obaruwa Baa Imole of Ijebuland, Olori Omo Oba of Esugbon Land, and Baba Oba of Esure. He currently serves as First Vice Chairman of the Awujale Council of Otunbas and President of the Awujale Council of Otunba Foundation.
He chaired the Oba S. K. Adetona 90th Birthday Committee in 2024 and serves as Alternate Chairman of the Ijebu Development Agenda Executive Committee.
Dr. Hassan is married to Yeye (Otunba) Adetola Hassan, and they are blessed with children and grandchildren.
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