By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
Prince Samuel Olawunmi, Assistant Secretary of the four ruling houses of the Awujale (Idile Oba Merin Awujale) and a member of the Anikilaya Ruling House, has urged the Ijebu kingmakers and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to strictly adhere to Ijebuland’s customary laws and traditions in the ongoing process of selecting the new Awujale of Ijebuland.
Speaking with journalists, Olawunmi cautioned against allowing wealth, influence, or social standing to determine the next occupant of the revered stool, reminding stakeholders of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s position that the Awujale should never be chosen based on affluence or connections.
He emphasized that historical records from the National Archives confirm that previous Awujales were selected purely on merit and tradition, without regard to social or economic status.
“Historically, former Awujales were ordinary Ijebu citizens with regular professions such as hunters, herbalists, barbers, and even students. Awujale Sikiru Adetona himself was an undergraduate before ascending the throne,” he said.
Olawunmi warned against excluding any of the four ruling houses from the succession process, stressing that while the turn currently belongs to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the rights of other ruling houses remain protected under Ijebu tradition.
“The Awujale stool belongs to the four ruling houses of Ijebu-Ode, not just the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Their turn to present candidates does not override Ijebuland’s customary laws, customs, and traditions,” he reiterated.
Reflecting on Ijebu history, Olawunmi praised the late Prince Adebisi Fasasi Adeyemi, popularly known as Obanlefa, whose 25 year tenure as Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House fostered unity among the four ruling houses. He added that the current head, Alhaji Toheeb Alaga, has continued to uphold harmony and cooperation within the royal families.
Citing the declaration made under Section 4(2) of the 1957 Chiefs Law and the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, Olawunmi explained that succession to the Awujale stool is governed by a clear legal and customary framework.
“The law stipulates that the stool be filled by male descendants of the Abidagba Okunrin line, followed by the Abidagba Obirin and Abidoye lines, in that order. The process must strictly follow these provisions to safeguard our traditional institution from irreversible harm,” he said.
He called on leaders within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the Ijebu kingmakers to prioritize unity, fairness, and respect for history as they decide the next Awujale.
“I urge our elders to remain guided by fairness and historical truth. Leaders like Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi and Prince Adedokun Ajidagba should emulate the noble example of the late Obanlefa in preserving the integrity of the royal house and ensuring that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House remains indivisible,” he concluded.