The Ogun State Government has intervened in the succession process for the Awujale of Ijebuland, prompting the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to postpone its scheduled nomination meeting and avoid potential procedural flaws that could lead to litigation.
The postponement was announced on Sunday, December 14, 2025, just a day before the meeting was set to take place on Monday, December 15, at Bisrod Hall in GRA, Ijebu-Ode. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, whose turn it is to produce the next paramount ruler following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025 at age 91, cited “circumstances beyond the family’s control” in a statement signed by spokesman Abiodun Ogidan.
Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, explained that the state government’s intervention was aimed at ensuring a flawless process free from legal disputes. He confirmed that the ruling house, kingmakers, and the Awujale Interregnum Committee have been invited to a consultative meeting with government officials on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Prof. Fassy Yusuf, a member of the ruling house, added that at least 60 princes are aspiring to the throne, underscoring the need for meticulous adherence to tradition and law.
The nomination process had gained momentum recently after the local government issued a 14-day window for the ruling house to present candidates.The Awujale stool rotates among four ruling houses, Anikilaya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa, with Fusengbuwa next in line after the late Oba Adetona from the Anikilaya house.
Nominated candidates would typically be forwarded to kingmakers for selection within seven days, followed by gubernatorial approval.A new date for the nomination meeting will be announced following the government’s engagement, as stakeholders work to uphold the integrity of Ijebuland’s revered traditional institution.