Photo File: Fusengbuwa ruling house members

In a decisive disapproval to swirling media reports, the head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Alhaji Abdulateef Owoyemi, has categorically denied the existence of any screening committee for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland. Owoyemi, a respected elder statesman and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), made the clarification while hosting members of the Tunwase family, led by Mr. R.O. Shonibare, at his country home in Idowa, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Speaking on Friday September 12^th 2025 (yesterday), Owoyemi stated that contrary to claims circulating in certain quarters, the Fusengbuwa ruling house has not constituted any formal committee to oversee the succession process. He emphasized that the house is still in the preliminary stages of designing a credible framework that would guide the emergence of a worthy successor to the revered throne of the Awujale.

“We are yet to design screening forms, agree on fees, or decide on the number of aspirants each family should present. Nothing has been concluded. People may claim to be setting up committees elsewhere, but Fusengbuwa ruling house has not,” Owoyemi declared, stressing that any such moves outside the ruling house are unofficial and lack legitimacy.

The succession process was triggered by the passing of the legendary Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on July 13 at the age of 91, after an extraordinary 65-year reign that defined modern Ijebuland. According to tradition, the next Awujale is to be selected from the Fusengbuwa ruling house, one of the recognized royal lineages in Ijebu history.

Owoyemi, known for his principled stance and advocacy for transparency, warned against the monetization of the process, drawing parallels with the corrupt practices often seen in political circles. “We must ensure only the best candidate emerges in a transparent and acceptable way,” he said, adding that the throne of the Awujale is not for sale and must not be tainted by excessive financial demands or backdoor dealings.

He called for unity and cooperation among stakeholders, including the Ogun State Government, traditional kingmakers, and members of the ruling house, to safeguard the integrity of the process and uphold the cultural heritage of Ijebuland. Owoyemi’s remarks come at a critical time when public interest in the succession is high, and expectations for a fair and dignified transition are mounting.

As the Fusengbuwa ruling house continues its internal consultations, the people of Ijebuland await further developments with keen anticipation, hoping that the legacy of Oba Adetona will be preserved through the emergence of a worthy heir.