The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has distanced itself from a faction reportedly behind the beating of the Gbedu drum; a traditional rite signaling interest in the vacant Awujale stool.

The symbolic ritual, which in Ijebu culture indicates the intention to contest for the throne, was deemed by the family as premature, misleading, and potentially disruptive, especially in the wake of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s burial.

Recall that days after the burial of Oba Adetona, it was reported that some members of the ruling family were beating the Gbedu drum.

Addressing journalists On Friday, during a condolence visit to the Igbeba Court residence of the late monarch, Chairman of the Ojude Planning Committee, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, declared that the act did not have the blessing of the family. “The public should disregard the so-called Gbedu drummers. The family has not authorized any traditional process toward succession,” he said firmly. He warned that such actions were capable of igniting tensions within the kingdom and misrepresenting the intent of the Fusengbuwa family.

He identified Dr. Adekunle Hassan, a distinguished ophthalmologist and the late king’s personal physician, as the authentic Olori Ebi (head) of the Fusengbuwa ruling house. “Dr. Hassan is the Olori Ebi. That was settled during the lifetime of the late Awujale, who ratified his selection in his palace. There should be no confusion,” Prof. Yusuf added.

In a strong rebuke to rumormongers and media peddling unverified reports, Yusuf cautioned journalists to verify claims before publication. “If we allow lies within, it becomes what people will be going about with. Everyone has been bombarding us: ‘What are you people doing? You are not reacting?’ That is why we said, ‘Look! Join us today, let’s visit our Mama, the Olori, and in the process, debunk all the lies being told,’” he recounted.

He also offered historical context to the current succession discourse. “There are four ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote. Awujale Adetona took over from Orengbosi Adesanya, who died in 1959. From the Gbelegbuwa ruling house. The immediate Awujale Adetona was from Anikinaiya ruling house. His letter was sent from the western region, by the pioneering secretary of Local government, Ibadan, dated 4 January of 1960, confirming his installment as Awujale, and was formerly crowned 2 April 1960. He was less than 26 years old.,” he explained.

Giving further historical backing, Fassy said “Immediately He took his seat in the house of chiefs, he also contested as Chairman of the western region, house of chiefs, but it went to the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderenmi. Notwithstanding, he was made a minister in 1960. Therefore, he has been involved in governance in this country. So, after him, it moves to Fusengbuwa ruling house. After that, Fidipote. Thereafter, it goes to Gbelegbuwa. That’s the way we do it”. However, he insisted that the family is not in a hurry to begin any selection process.

Prof Fassy addressing Newsmen

When asked about succession, he said, “We are still mourning our Awujale. For now, no one should talk about succession. Only God knows who the next Oba will be. Anyone telling you otherwise is deceiving you,” Yusuf asserted. He noted that any official move towards selecting a new king must first be initiated by the local government, which is yet to write the family.

Olori Ebi, Dr. Adekunle Hassan, in his brief address during the visit, also affirmed that the family remains in mourning. “My visit is to greet the wife of the late Awujale. Nothing more. We are still mourning,” he said, dispelling claims that his visit had anything to do with succession talks.

The family reiterated its commitment to unity, tradition, and transparency. Among those present during the visit were Oba J.A. Osunsami, the Aladeken of Oke Ako, and Oba Adeposi Munirudeen Bashorun, the Orugbogbo of Imoru Kingdom, both distinguished members of the Fusengbuwa lineage. They called for calm, patience, and respect for due process.

Oba J.A. Osunsami, the Aladeken of Oke Ako, and Oba Adeposi Munirudeen Bashorun, the Orugbogbo of Imoru Kingdom

Prof. Yusuf added that, “We are not ready to do anything concerning the selection of candidates for the Awujale stool because the late Awujale was so dear to the family. For now, let tradition lead, and let mourning take its due course.”