Nearly four months after the Ogun State Government suspended the process for selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to facilitate the prompt resumption of the exercise.
The appeal was made during a well-attended press conference comprising prominent members of the ruling house, including its Chairman, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; Deputy Chairman, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba; Vice-Chairman, Professor Fassy Yusuf; and Secretary, Pastor Bola Salami, among others.
Addressing the media, Otunba Owoyemi expressed concern over the prolonged delay since the suspension of the process on January 21, 2026. He noted that the people of Ijebuland remain eager for the emergence of the 60th Awujale and Paramount Ruler.
He further questioned the basis for the suspension, which was reportedly linked to allegations of bribery and financial inducement. According to him, the ruling house had no prior knowledge of such claims. He pointed out that the government’s suspension letter failed to identify the individuals involved, the nature of the alleged transactions, or any verifiable details such as dates and amounts.
Otunba Owoyemi categorically denied the allegations, emphasizing that neither the Olori Ebis of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House nor members of the Awujale Kingmakers Council, who were invited for questioning by the police, had been found culpable of any wrongdoing.
He also criticized the petition reportedly submitted by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, to the police, describing it as lacking credible evidence and incapable of substantiation through reliable witnesses.
The ruling house maintained that the continued suspension of the selection process appears to be driven by unverified claims and what it described as frivolous petitions from individuals seeking to undermine the integrity of the process.
Otunba Owoyemi further highlighted that the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, had carefully constituted the Kingmakers in accordance with longstanding traditions, selecting individuals of proven integrity and character whom he trusted to carry out their duties with fairness, courage, and dignity.
Reaffirming confidence in the Kingmakers, he stressed that they have not been found wanting and called on the state government to disregard unproven allegations and ensure the immediate reinstatement of the selection process without further delay.
