Awujale aspirant Adebowale Olufeko has urged Ogun State and traditional authorities to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland
A candidate from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House seeking the Awujale of Ijebuland stool, Adebowale Olufeko, has called on the Ogun State Government and traditional institutions to ensure transparency and adherence to tradition in the selection process.
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Olufeko made the appeal on Monday while addressing journalists in Ijebu-Ode alongside other members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
He said the Awujale stool represents the cultural soul, heritage, and identity of the Ijebu people.
“This revered throne represents not only leadership but the soul, heritage, and identity of the Ijebu people,” Olufeko said.
He urged the government and stakeholders to act justly and avoid actions capable of triggering tension or unrest in Ijebuland.
According to him, the people of Ijebuland desire peace, unity, and respect for established traditions.
“Our objective is to examine the process and articulate our collective position with decorum, wisdom, and unity,” he said.
Olufeko commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for developmental efforts in Ijebu-Ode, including the upgrade of Tai Solarin University of Education to a federal university.
He also appreciated the governor’s role in ensuring that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale.
Olufeko praised the Kingmakers for their role and stressed their sacred responsibility in presenting a qualified candidate.
“All Fusengbuwa Ruling House members respectfully request that the Kingmakers be allowed to present Ijebuland with an ‘Omo Oye,’” he said.
He added that only one candidate would eventually emerge to ascend the Awujale stool.
Olufeko also acknowledged the guidance of the Olori Ebis, particularly the Head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi.
He further appealed to the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise development in Ijebuland.
The call comes amid rising tension over eligibility for the Awujale stool.
Members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House staged protests last Friday over alleged attempts to impose a candidate.
Placards at the protest read: “Fusengbuwa says no to imposition,” and “Let the Kingmakers do their job.”
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years and died at 91.
The Ogun State Government has denied interference in the selection process.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, said the process was temporarily halted due to petitions from security agencies and stakeholders.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed claims of imposition as false.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to due process and respect for traditional institutions.
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The Regent and Head of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Sonny Kuku, said Kingmakers are scrutinising over 1,200 documents from at least 95 aspirants.
