Awujale: Kingmakers to name next Ijebu-Ode monarch in two weeks

Awujale: Kingmakers to name next Ijebu-Ode monarch in two weeks

The emergence of a new Awujale of Ijebuland is imminent, with the revered traditional stool expected to be filled within the next 14 days, the Olori Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, has said.

Owoyemi, who is also the Otunba Jadiara, disclosed this on Sunday while speaking with journalists shortly after the conclusion of the nomination process for the vacant Awujale stool in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The nomination exercise, which held at the Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, marked the formal handover of the succession process from the ruling house to the Afobaje (kingmakers), who are now constitutionally empowered to select the next paramount ruler of Ijebuland.

Representatives of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, led by the council secretary, Abiodun Oke-Adebanjo, attended the meeting alongside key leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including the Deputy Olori Ebi, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and the Chairman, Chief Fassy Yusuf.

Owoyemi revealed that although 95 princes and princesses initially indicated interest in the throne, only 85 successfully went through the nomination process.

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He clarified that popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1, was not among the nominees, as his name did not feature on the final list of those screened.

He further disclosed that all the nominees signed a bond committing themselves to a no-litigation agreement, ensuring that the process would not be disrupted by legal battles after its conclusion.

“The process was peaceful and transparent. All the candidates have agreed that there will be no court case after this exercise,” Owoyemi said.
According to him, the names of the 85 successful nominees were to be formally transmitted to the Afobaje on Monday, marking the beginning of the traditional selection process.

“It is now the duty of the kingmakers to perform their traditional role. One candidate will be selected by the oracle from among those who scaled the nomination stage, after which the ruling house will forward the chosen name to the Ogun State Government for approval,” he explained.

Owoyemi expressed confidence in the process and offered prayers for divine guidance for the kingmakers.

“We pray that God will guide them to give Ijebu Ode an Awujale who will uphold our heritage and take the land to greater heights,” he said.

On how the final choice would be made, Owoyemi stressed that the selection would strictly be from among the 85 nominees and would be guided by tradition and the Ifa oracle.

“The kingmakers will select the best king for us, in line with the will of our ancestors and Almighty God,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the ruling house, Chief Fassy Yusuf, thanked God for the successful conclusion of the nomination stage, noting that the tension and anxiety that often accompany such processes had been peacefully laid to rest.

With the baton now in the hands of the Afobaje, all eyes across Ijebuland are fixed on the ancient town as it awaits the emergence of its next paramount ruler.

Awujale: Kingmakers to name next Ijebu-Ode monarch in two weeks