IFA ALONE CANNOT DECIDE THE NEW AWUJALE — FASSY
Written by Oluwaseyi Amosun on September 17, 2025
Portrait of Dr. fassy Credit: Ojude Oba Committee
Prof. Chief Fassy Yusuf, Baagbimo of Ijebu and Secretary of the Awujale Council of Chiefs, said the next Awujale of Ijebuland will be chosen by the kingmakers and the Funsegbuwa ruling house, not solely by the Ifa oracle.
According to Fassy, a new monarch is expected before the end of the year if no court injunction intervenes.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Frontline, a currents affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, on Wednesday, Fassy said “The last time we had an Obaship process was in 1959–1960, and I don’t know if Ifa was consulted. Since we have not established parameters or criteria for picking the Awujale, whether the family will consult Ifa or leave it to the kingmakers is up to them,”
The Academia also emphasized that traditional practices have evolved over time. “Before, divinity consultancy was carried out before anyone could leave their house. But now, how many people do that? What we have now does not make any provision for it. Whether they will go behind and do it, I’m not part of the kingmakers, so the question should be directed to them — are you consulting Ifa in your process?”
Fassy also noted that Ijebuland is now home to three major religious groups — Isese, Christian, and Islamic — and consultation could involve any or all depending on the ruling family’s and kingmakers’ decisions. “The role of divinity is not entirely abolished, but some practices will be relevant while others may not, Now, we have three groups now, the ISESE, Christian and the Islamic Group, why are you not emphasising on the other groups and ISESE alone? So, it all depends on the kingmakers and the family and if the family believes Ifa should be consulted, it is theirs to decide.” he said.
According to Fassy, historical precedents show that past Awujales, including the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were not chosen through Ifa consultation. “The crown in 1959 was to go to the Anikilaya family and the father of the immediate past Awujale, but he had little or no formal education and was not considered relevant to the community at the time. He yielded it to his son. Whether Ifa was consulted in that process, I don’t know. Awujale Kayode Sikiru Adetona was not the only son and was even challenged by his siblings, though he won the case in court,” Fassy said.
A mild drama almost marred the final rites of passage for Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as traditionalists were prevented from conducting customary burial rituals at the monarch’s private residence.
OLISA AND THE CONTROVERSIAL TITLE
When asked about the perceived role of the Olisa(Olisa of Ijebu Ode, Olisa Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya) as an Oba, Fassy, a former Ogun commissioner for culture was clear that there is no official recognition for such a title. “There’s nothing like ‘Oba of Ijebuland.’ What we have, as gazetted and published, is that the Awujale is the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, just as we have Akarigbo for Remo, Alake for Egbaland, and Olu of Ilaro for Yewa. This structure maintains stability and equality,” he said.
“To the best of my knowledge, the Olisa may be occupying the position similarly to that of a part 2 Oba but he is definitely not going by Oba, the late Ogbeni Ooja, Chief Bayo Kuku and Late Otunba Subomi Balogun who were allowed to use a beaded walking stick but were never Obas.” He added.
On the suspension of the Olisa, Fassy explained that only an Awujale has the authority to lift it. “The suspension would be lifted by the Awujale who suspended him, not anyone who wasn’t wielding the office. Based on certain criteria and parameters, only the Awujale can revisit the matter,” he said.
SELECTION OF A NEW AWUJALE
Ijebu kingdom is preparing to crown a new Awujale before the year ends, provided there is no court injunction. The selection is expected to follow due process, with the Funsegbuwa ruling house presenting candidates to the kingmakers.
“By October–November, if there’s no court injunction, we should be having a new Awujale,” Fassy said.
The succession process is guided by historical declarations and internal family rules. Yusuf, who doubles as the Deputy Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa, emphasized that divisions within the Funsegbuwa ruling house would not derail the process. “Conflict is part of life. The makers of the 1957 declaration, published in 1959, emphasized that in any ruling house, there could be discontent or division. It allows for one Olori-Ebi or more than one, and also allows for multiple candidates to be presented. The kingmakers will decide,” he said.
Recall that Otunba AbdulLateef Owoyemi has over the week, clarified his position as the authentic head of the Funsegbuwa ruling house. “I emerged the authentic and confirmed head of the Funsegbuwa ruling house, not Chief Adedokun Ajidagba, after the Ibadan Court of Appeal judgment of November 28, 2024, ruled in my favour. That judgment confirmed I had been the ruling house head appointed since 2013, after the death of Olori-Ebi Prince Fasasi Adeyemi,” he said.
Photo File: faction of Fusengbuwa ruling house members
Chief Adedokun Ajidagba
Meanwhile, Yusuf also underlined that the throne is not for the wealthy but for individuals of impeccable character. “No person of low status can become Awujale. Kabiyesi Adetona emphasized that the throne should not be for moneybags. It should be for someone that has impeccable character, somebody like a Solomon of our time,” he said.
This however was contrary to an earlier declaration on July 19, 2025, during a condolence visit to the Igbeba Court residence of the late monarch, where Fassy, himself 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.
Fassy, Dr Hassan, Olori Awujale
However, he acknowledged Ibadan Court of Appeal judgment of November 28,
While, the selection of a new Awujale has seen the Ajidagbada and Owoyemi camps assert their claims to the throne. Fassy noted that legitimacy is key: “The Ajidagbada camp has a right to the throne, also the Owoyemi camp has a right. If they can prove their legitimacy, then those camps have a right to the throne.”
Despite lingering tensions, Fassy, reassured that the process would be managed peacefully. “We are trying to resolve whatever crisis exists. Conflict is part of life and Ijebuland has maintained stability over a period of 65 years. Most people now were not born when the late Awujale was crowned. If we didn’t witness such exercises then, it doesn’t mean there was never discontent between quarters. Crisis management and conflict resolution will be applied,” he said.
THE DREAM FOR IJEBU STATE DID NOT DIE WITH AWUJALE ADETONA
Sen Gbenga Daniel (L) and Governor Dapo Abiodun (R).
Beyond the succession, leaders in Ijebuland are reigniting the push for the creation of Ijebu State, a dream first championed by the late Awujale. Yusuf emphasized that Adetona’s death does not mark the end of the campaign.
“Awujale Adetona was the prime mover, but that does not mean the dream for the creation of Ijebu State died with him. We are determined to continue the struggle. It is a marathon, and within the next year, we hope to see progress,” he said.
He explained that the agitation requires strict adherence to constitutional rules. “Once the National Assembly passes a motion, the bill will go to all 36 states. At least 24 must endorse it. We should not give the impression that only the military can create states. All that matters is following the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Yusuf said.
On the impact of the looming senatorial race, Yusuf was confident. “Presently we have a senator representing Ogun East. No matter the swings, it will not affect the agitation for Ijebu State. Regardless of the senator, the interest remains. I do not think any senator who is after the interest of Ijebu will jettison what we have been clamouring for,” he said, noting that Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel are the major power blocs whose influence could shape the process.
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