Nigeria, July 15 -- The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, died on Sunday after a remarkable 65-year reign, marking the end of an era and setting the stage for the first succession process in more than six decades. The search for his successor is expected to begin after the official mourning period

Oba Adetona, the 55th Awujale, died at 91. The deceased traditional ruler, who is the longest-reigning king of the Ijebu kingdom yet, was buried according to Islamic rites on Monday at his Igbeba residence.

With the revered throne becoming vacant, aspirants eyeing the throne are likely to be warming up and consulting for the succession contest, which is for now officially deferred till after the mourning of Oba Adetona.

The leaders of...