95 Princes, Princess indicate imterest in vacant Awujale throne

By Ade Ade

No fewer than 95 princes and princesses from the Fusengbuwa ruling house have indicated interest in occupying the vacant throne of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13.

Among the aspirants are Mr. Biodun Onanuga, husband of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ogun State, and Dr. Kunle Hassan, founder of Eye Foundation Hospital. The only female aspirant is Princess Kemi Adetokunbo Onanuga.

This development was disclosed on Monday during the nomination meeting of the Fusengbuwa ruling house held in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Speaking at the meeting, the Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, said the nomination exercise was part of the traditional process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale.

He noted that the meeting was attended by the Chairman of the ruling house, Adedokun Ajidagba; Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf; delegates, observers, and security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Owoyemi explained that the names of candidates who scaled the first stage of the process would be forwarded to the kingmakers, who would then select one candidate and forward the name to the Ogun State Government for approval. The process was observed by the Secretary to Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr. Abiodun Oke.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Owoyemi expressed gratitude over the peaceful conduct of the exercise, describing it as a “win-win situation” for all aspirants. He disclosed that all applicants signed an agreement committing themselves to non-litigation regardless of the outcome of the selection.

“We have successfully and harmoniously nominated ninety-five candidates. The matter is now in the hands of the kingmakers to select one person,” he said, adding that extensive traditional consultations had been carried out to guide the process.

Owoyemi expressed optimism that the next Awujale would emerge within one month and advised anyone dissatisfied with the process to channel grievances through appropriate government channels.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has dismissed reports alleging that it has anointed a preferred candidate among the 95 aspirants.

The government warned that it would prosecute individuals or groups spreading false information capable of causing tension in Ijebuland.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the selection of the Awujale is strictly governed by customary law, chieftaincy declarations and extant laws of the state.
He cautioned that the government would invoke Section 23(2) of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, against anyone parading themselves as Awujale-elect before the completion of the legally recognised process, urging the public to disregard unverified claims.