Awujale Succession: Fusengbuwa Ruling House Begins Selection, Vows to Uphold Tradition

The Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is next in line to produce the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, has officially commenced the traditional process of selecting a successor following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Speaking during the Gbedu drum ceremony in Ijebu Ode on Thursday, the head of the ruling house, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, emphasized that whoever emerges as the next Awujale must fully embrace and protect Ijebu customs.

The Gbedu beating is a symbolic cultural rite that signals the readiness of the designated ruling house to present a candidate for the revered stool.

Call for Tradition and Transparency
Ajidagba stressed that the selection would strictly follow Ifa oracle guidance, as instructed by the late Oba Adetona before his death on July 13 at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.

“To my family members, whoever becomes Awujale must not abandon Isese (our tradition) because it is vital to the growth of Ijebuland,” Ajidagba said. “The late Awujale directed that Ifa should determine the next king, and that is what we will do.”

He also warned against political interference, insisting that the Ogun State Government should allow the traditional process to take its course.

“The government must steer clear of this process. It is a cultural matter, and we will not tolerate any imposition,” he declared.

Rejecting Money Politics and External Influence
Ajidagba further cautioned against the influence of wealth and politics in the selection process.

“The late Awujale warned that the next monarch must not be chosen based on wealth or political status. We will not allow moneybags or outsiders to hijack this throne,” he said.

According to him, the Fusengbuwa family—comprising eight branches—has been united so far and will ensure that only a qualified prince is presented for the stool.

Historical Context and Legitimacy
The Fusengbuwa ruling house is one of the four royal families in Ijebuland, alongside Anikilaya, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa. The late Oba Adetona hailed from the Anikilaya house, making Fusengbuwa next in line.

Ajidagba noted that the family’s legitimacy had been affirmed by the Ijebu-Ode Local Government in 2023 through an official certificate of recognition.

Family and Traditional Leaders Speak
Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, General Secretary for the ruling houses, said he has maintained records for over two decades and confirmed that all family branches support the process.

“The Fusengbuwa house is committed to presenting a respected and capable candidate who understands our heritage,” Adeyemi stated.

Supporting this stance, Chief Razaq Osimodi, the Olowa of Ijebu-Ode and Abore of Awujale, said the Gbedu ceremony is a critical spiritual step in confirming the rightful family.

“Many may aspire to the throne, but only one will emerge, guided by the Ifa oracle,” Osimodi affirmed.

Cultural advocate Olaseni Ottun added that Ijebuland’s rich traditions must be preserved through unity and adherence to established customs in the succession process.