By Wellington Jopelo
A total of 95 contenders have formally joined the race for the vacant Awujale stool of Ijebu land, following the conclusion of the nomination exercise by the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The aspirants consist of 94 princes and one princess drawn from the ruling lineage.
The aspirants were presented on Monday at a nomination meeting convened by the Fusengbuwa family, marking a major step in the traditional process to select the next paramount ruler of Ijebu land after months of anticipation.
The meeting, which held at Bisrod Hall in the Government Reserved Area of Ijebu Ode, was conducted under strict traditional and administrative supervision, with officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government in attendance to observe proceedings.
The nomination exercise was presided over by the Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, alongside his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and the Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf. The Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government, Abiodun Oke, and other council officials were present as observers.
Among the nominees are notable figures such as Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; Dr Kunle Hassan, a consultant ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction.
The only female aspirant in the race is Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July last year following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died at the age of 91 after a historic 65-year reign. During the nomination exercise, each aspirant was represented by two relatives one to propose the nomination and another to second it—after which the family formally recorded and accepted the nominations.
Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, the family head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Owoyemi, praised members for ensuring a peaceful and orderly process, noting that the exercise was conducted without any dispute.
According to him, the ruling house had undertaken extensive traditional consultations, including guidance from the Ifa oracle, to ensure that the nomination process aligned with custom and would ultimately produce a ruler capable of advancing the development of Ijebu land.
“We thank God that the exercise was conducted peacefully. We have successfully nominated 95 candidates. It is now the responsibility of the kingmakers to diligently select one of them as the next Awujale,” Owoyemi said.
He expressed confidence that the kingmakers would be guided by tradition and divine direction, adding that the family expected the emergence of a new Awujale within the next month.
Owoyemi further disclosed that all contestants had signed an agreement committing themselves to accept the outcome of the selection process and refrain from instituting legal action, stressing that the family expected strict compliance with the undertaking.
The succession process has generated significant public interest, particularly following the declaration of interest by popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM1. The Fusengbuwa ruling house, however, maintained that Ayinde is not a member of the family and therefore not eligible to contest for the throne.
Ayinde had earlier approached the High Court in Ijebu Ode, seeking an interim injunction to stop the selection process, but the court dismissed the application for lacking merit. The suit was subsequently withdrawn by his legal team.
In a letter dated January 8 and addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun by Ayinde’s lawyer, Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN), concerns were raised over alleged irregularities in the nomination process and directives issued by the leadership of the ruling house.
Reacting, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed receipt of the letter but dismissed its contents, describing it as “arrant nonsense” and of no consequence to the ongoing selection of the next Awujale of Ijebu land.