A candidate vying for the Awujale throne from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Adebowale Olufeko, has called on the Ogun State government, the Chieftaincy Council, the Afobajes, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to tradition in the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Monday, Olufeko told journalists in Ijebu-Ode alongside other members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, that the Awujale stool represents not only leadership but the cultural soul, heritage, and identity of the Ijebu people.
“Indeed, we humbly appeal to your office concerning the ongoing process for the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
“This revered throne represents not only leadership but the soul, heritage, and identity of the Ijebu people,” Olufeko said.
He added that the people of Ijebuland are yearning for peace and unity and urged the government to act justly, avoiding actions that could trigger unnecessary tension or unrest.
“Our objective is to examine the process, aggregate our views where necessary, and articulate our collective position with decorum, wisdom, and unity — always mindful of tradition, law, and respect for constituted authority,” Olufeko said.
Olufeko commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his developmental efforts in Ijebu-Ode, including the upgrade of TASUED to a Federal University.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for steps taken so far in ensuring that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale of Ijebuland. We also express our gratitude to the Kingmakers for their efforts to see that due process is followed,” he said.
He also emphasised the sacred role of the Kingmakers in the process.
“All Fusengbuwa Ruling House members respectfully request that the Kingmakers should be allowed to present Ijebu-Ode and Ijebuland with ‘Omo Oye.’ Only one person will, at the end, emerge as ‘Omo Oye’ to ascend the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland,” Olufeko said.
Olufeko appreciated the guidance of the Olori Ebis, especially the Head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi, for his fatherly role in guiding the family through the process.
“We further implore the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to include Ijebuland in developmental priorities. The federal government’s attention is really needed in the development of Ijebuland as a whole,” he added.
The statement comes amid heightened debate over eligibility for the Awujale stool, following protests by members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House last Friday over alleged attempts to impose a candidate.
Protesters carried placards reading,”Fusengbuwa says no to imposition,” “Let Ifa oracle determine the next Awujale,” and “Let the Kingmakers do their job.”
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years and died at the age of 91.
Ogun State officials have denied claims of government interference in the process.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, had temporarily halted the selection citing petitions from security agencies and stakeholders.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described claims of imposition as “baseless and false,” and reiterated the government’s commitment to due process and respect for traditional institutions.
The Regent and Head of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Sonny Kuku, said the Kingmakers are carefully scrutinising over 1,200 documents from at least 95 aspirants to ensure that only the most qualified candidate emerges.
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