• Reaffirms unity in the Fusengbuwa ruling house

Image of Otunba Babatunde Alatise.

Otunba Babatunde Alatise, a prominent descendant of the Bubiade Royal Family within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, has formally declared his intention to contest for the vacant Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland. He made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing at Alagbala Villa in Ijebu-Ode, drawing elders, family heads and community leaders.

Describing the moment as one of historic responsibility, Alatise said the decision was driven by a sense of duty to the kingdom’s heritage. “This declaration is a defining moment in the continuous history of Ijebuland,” he said. “I am not stepping forward for personal ambition but for service, stability and the preservation of our traditions.”

He described the Awujale stool as “a powerful symbol of unity, strength and cultural identity,” adding that the next monarch must consolidate the kingdom’s influence both within Nigeria and globally.

A DETAILED DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Alatise outlined a wide-ranging agenda covering tradition, security, economic expansion and youth development. He said Ijebuland stands at an important point in its history and must embrace new opportunities without losing its cultural roots.

“Our vision is to uphold and protect the sanctity of the traditional institution,” he said. “We will deepen economic opportunities through mining, tourism and agriculture, and ensure that all companies operating in our land contribute directly to the welfare of Ijebu people.”

He proposed a community-profit model requiring mining companies to build infrastructure in their host communities. “The era of outsiders taking from our soil and giving nothing back must end,” he noted.

Babatunde Alatise also promised a tourism renaissance anchored around the world-famous Ojude Oba Festival. According to him, “Ojude Oba is not just a festival; it is our cultural signature. We will elevate it to world-class status, attract global tourism and secure international partnerships that showcase our heritage.”

He announced plans for an Ijebu Polo Club, a Horse Breeding Centre, a Museum of Ijebu Civilisation and expanded arts programmes to strengthen cultural identity.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Alatise pledged to make youth development a key pillar of his reign if selected. He highlighted the need for skills training, digital innovation hubs and leadership mentorship. “Our young people are talented and ambitious,” he said. “They deserve access to opportunities that prepare them to compete anywhere in the world.”

He added that his global experience would be an advantage, saying, “I have worked with organisations like INTERPOL, UNDP and the United States State Department. These networks will support our growth and open doors for international collaboration.”

“THERE IS ONLY ONE FUSENGBUWA HOUSE.” — BABATUNDE ALATISE

Addressing speculation about division within the ruling house, Babatunde Alatise insisted the lineage remains solid. “Let me be clear,” he said. “There is only one Fusengbuwa House. We are united; there is no faction. We are one.”

His declaration was backed by key family figures. His cousin, Oba Aderigbigbe, praised his temperament, saying, “He is humble, he is capable, and he is someone who remains calm under pressure. He will make a good Awujale.”

The head of the Bubiade Royal Family also endorsed him, saying he has “the character, intellect and cultural grounding expected of the next Awujale.”

FUSENGBUWA LEADERS SIGN UNIFICATION AGREEMENT

Otunba Alatise’s declaration comes on the heels of a formal reconciliation within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The 12 Family Head Committee recently held a peace meeting at the ancestral compound, where all factions signed a Memorandum of Understanding to end internal disputes.

The new leadership structure places Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi as Chairman, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba as Deputy Chairman and Chief Prof. Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf as Vice Chairman.

One major resolution was the cancellation of candidature fees previously required from aspirants. The committee stated that all previous payments would be refunded. The decisions are expected to be communicated to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.

A GROWING FIELD OF ASPIRANTS

Otunba Babatunde is now the second official aspirant from the ruling house, following the declaration by Otunba Dr Adekunle Hassan on November 9. Dr Hassan emphasised the need for a monarch with humility, integrity and a consistent history of supporting Ijebuland.

The throne became vacant following the passing of the revered Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on July 13, 2025, after a groundbreaking 65-year reign.

With unity restored and candidates emerging, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House now moves toward selecting its nominee for one of the most respected traditional positions in the country.