The Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has removed three of its leaders over allegations of financial inducement, document manipulation and breaches of due process in the selection of the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland
The affected leaders are the Chairman of the ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, his Vice-Chairman, Prof Fassy Yusuf, and the Deputy Chairman, Adeodokun Ajidagba
The decision followed a 25-page report submitted by a nine-member fact-finding committee set up to investigate petitions against the three leaders
The ruling house adopted the committee’s findings at a meeting held on Sunday at the Agunsebi Family House in Ijebu Ode
The meeting was presided over by the secretary of the ruling house, Adeleke Adeyemi, who announced the removal of the three leaders after members considered the committee’s report
The committee began its investigation in June after receiving petitions that alleged bribery and other irregularities linked to the selection of candidates for the vacant Awujale throne
Olusegun Olusoga chaired the committee, while Adeyemo Oduneye served as secretary
According to the committee, only Owoyemi appeared before it, while Yusuf and Ajidagba declined invitations to give their responses
The committee said it found a breakdown in communication and unity among the three leaders
It also questioned the process used to compile and submit the list of candidates for the Awujale stool
Committee Raises Questions Over Selection Process
The fact-finding committee alleged that the three leaders failed to properly classify candidates according to the requirements of the Awujale Declaration
The committee said the candidates should have been grouped according to their family lines and other classifications recognised by the traditional selection process
It described the alleged failure to follow the required process as a serious breach of responsibility
The committee also accused the leaders of financial inducement, supporting particular candidates and manipulating documents without following due process
Based on its findings, the committee recommended that the three leaders step aside to protect the unity of the ruling house and the integrity of the Awujale institution
The ruling house later adopted the recommendation and voted for their immediate removal
Leaders Deny Allegations
The affected leaders have rejected the allegations and challenged the validity of the committee’s findings
Prof Fassy Yusuf described those behind the decision as “rabble rousers and confusionists” and said there was no truth in the allegations against him
Yusuf also questioned the role of Adeleke Adeyemi in the process, alleging that the secretary who presided over the meeting was himself an aspirant for the Awujale throne
He said he would consider legal action if the allegations against him continued
Owoyemi also rejected the committee’s report and described those who removed him as rebels seeking to divide the ruling house
He argued that the decision lacked substance and questioned how Adeyemi could preside over a meeting involving a process in which he was allegedly interested
Adeodokun Ajidagba could not be reached for comment, as his phone was reportedly switched off
What Happens to the Awujale Selection Process?
The latest dispute could affect the process for selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland
The traditional stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ruled Ijebuland for 65 years
The Ogun State Government later halted the selection process in January 2026 after receiving petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders
The government had earlier suspended the process in December 2025 over concerns about the procedure
The latest dispute within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House could now lead to further delays
However, the fact-finding committee said starting the process again would be preferable to rushing the selection and producing a candidate who does not have the confidence of the people
95 Aspirants Are in the Race
The scale of the selection process has also added to the complexity surrounding the vacant stool
A total of 95 aspirants emerged from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House nomination process held in Ijebu Ode
The list comprises 94 princes and one princess
The next stage will require the ruling house, government authorities and other relevant stakeholders to resolve the disagreements surrounding the process before a new Awujale can emerge
Why the Awujale Selection Matters
The Awujale is not only a traditional ruler but also an important figure in the cultural and social life of Ijebuland
The selection of a new monarch therefore carries significance for the people of Ijebu and the wider Ogun State
A prolonged dispute could deepen divisions within the ruling house and delay the emergence of a successor to Oba Sikiru Adetona
At the same time, the allegations made against the former ruling house leaders remain disputed, with the affected individuals strongly denying any wrongdoing
The Bigger Question for Ijebuland
The latest development has placed the integrity of the Awujale selection process at the centre of public attention
For the process to move forward, the competing interests within the ruling house will need to find a way to rebuild trust and ensure that the selection follows the established rules
The priority should be to produce a process that the ruling house, government and people of Ijebuland can regard as credible
The biggest challenge now is not simply choosing the next Awujale, but ensuring that the process used to select the monarch commands the confidence of the people he will ultimately serve.
