Aspiring contenders for the Awujale throne declined monetary inducements, confirms the Fusengbuwa dynasty leader
In the heart of Ijebu Ode, the historic city in Yoruba land, the selection process for the successor to the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, is underway. Amidst the intricacies of royal politics, one name stands out – Abdulateef Owoyemi, the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Recent developments have brought clarity to the succession process, despite the veil of secrecy that often surrounds such matters. While there is no publicly available detailed information regarding specific aspirants attempting to buy the leadership of the Fusengbuwa ruling family or the exact activities pursued by the family following the 2024 Supreme Court judgment in Ibadan to resolve internal disputes, it is clear that the selection of the next Awujale will not be compromised by money politics.
On a Saturday at his Idowa Ijebu country home, Owoyemi spoke with journalists, urging aggrieved members of the ruling house to maintain unity. He emphasised the importance of peace within the family, stating that he is willing to make concessions for the sake of harmony.
Eight potential candidates for the Awujale throne have attempted to bribe the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, but were rejected. Owoyemi's steadfastness in the face of such attempts has been commendable, reflecting his commitment to upholding the traditional values of Ijebu Ode.
The council of elders in the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has stated that they only want a transparent and fair selection process. This sentiment was echoed by the late Oba Adetona, who, before his death, warned against attempts by moneybags to hijack the succession process during the 2019 Ojude Oba festival.
The Ijebu Ode High Court had earlier denied Owoyemi recognition due to allegations of fraud, but he was able to prove otherwise in the Appeal Court. The Court of Appeal in Ibadan, in November 2024, affirmed Owoyemi's appointment as Olori Ebi since 2013. This judgment has quashed attempts to distort history and has provided a solid foundation for the succession process.
Prince Adedokun Ajidagba has claimed that he is the legitimate head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, a claim which Owoyemi dismisses. However, splinter groups within the ruling house, previously led by figures such as Dr. Kunle Hassan, have submitted to the court's decision.
Oba Adetona, before his death, invited Owoyemi to the palace in February 2025, urging reconciliation and affirming him as a trusted ally. This show of support from the late monarch underscores the confidence placed in Owoyemi's leadership.
Owoyemi, in his address to the family, urged members to shun division, greed, and strife, in order to produce the best Awujale in the history of Ijebu and Yoruba land. The late Oba Adetona believed that the right candidate for the Awujale throne should be chosen, someone who can take Ijebu Ode to greater heights, not bring it down.
As the selection process continues, the people of Ijebu Ode look forward to a peaceful and transparent process, guided by the wisdom of the council of elders and the steadfastness of Abdulateef Owoyemi. The legacy of the late Oba Adetona, a monarch who was deeply respected and loved, will continue to guide the people of Ijebu Ode as they navigate this significant period in their history.
This article was published by our website, a division of Polance Media Inc., in 2025.
Note: This article is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental.
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