Fresh details have emerged on why the nomination meeting to select candidates for the vacant stool of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland was postponed by the Fusengbuwa ruling house.
Ogun State Government Intervenes
The decision followed an intervention by the Ogun State Government aimed at preventing procedural lapses that could lead to litigation. Sources also confirmed that at least 60 princes are currently vying to succeed the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Original Nomination Plans
The Fusengbuwa ruling house, next in line to produce the Awujale after the monarch’s death at 91 in July 2025, had announced on Thursday that its nomination meeting would hold on Monday. The announcement came in a letter dated December 11, 2025, signed by the family’s spokesman, Abiodun Ogidan.
The meeting was scheduled at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Only accredited family members were allowed to attend. Each aspirant had to be nominated and seconded by two family representatives, while candidates themselves were barred from the meeting. Family members and representatives were urged to maintain peace, respect, and order throughout the process.
Postponement Announced
However, the Nomination Committee issued a statement on Friday, titled “To All Members of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ijebu-Ode,” announcing the postponement. The letter cited circumstances beyond the family’s control and promised that a new date would be communicated later.
Government Meeting Explained
Speaking with our correspondent, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, said the postponement followed a summons by the state government.
Owoyemi explained that the government invited the ruling house to a Tuesday meeting to review the succession steps and ensure full compliance with laws guiding traditional rulership.
He dismissed claims linking the postponement to Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1.
“The postponement has nothing to do with any individual. We received a government summons to ensure everything is done properly and avoid potential litigation,” Owoyemi said.
He added that the intervention would enhance the integrity of the process and reduce legal disputes.
Confirmation from Vice Chairman
Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the ruling house, confirmed that both the ruling house and kingmakers were invited to the government meeting.
“There are at least 60 princes aspiring to succeed the late monarch,” Prof. Yusuf said. “The meeting will include the ruling house, kingmakers, and the Awujale Interregnum Committee. Its outcome will determine the new nomination date.”
He emphasized that the postponement had nothing to do with any candidate and described contrary claims as misleading.
Context of the Succession Process
Efforts to select a successor to Oba Adetona, who reigned for 65 years before his death in July 2025, gained momentum after the local government reportedly gave the Fusengbuwa ruling house a 14-day deadline to present candidates for the revered throne.
