The Awujale and paramount ruler of ljebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba lI, has approved the selection of accomplished Endocrinologist, Dr Sonny Folorunso Kuku, as the new Ogbeni Oja of ljebuland. Ogbeni Oja (Leader of Commerce and Industry in ljebu), which literally means a kingmaker.

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 seat became vacant after the demise of the previous holder of the title, Bayo Kuku, who died in 2015. 

In the history of ljebu, Olor'ogun Kuku will become the third to be so honoured after the late Timothy Adeola Odutola and Bayo Kuku. 

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 Joint Chief Medical Director and Co-Chairman of EKO Hospital, Chief Sonny Kuku, 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.

The new Ogbeni Oja co-founded EKO Hospital (Ekocorp Plc) 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.”