In the revered and ancient kingdom of Ijebu land, where tradition intertwines with modernity, the passing of a monarch has ignited a delicate and high-stakes drama over who will next occupy the illustrious Awujale throne.
The late Oba Sikiru Adetona, a paramount ruler who reigned for an remarkable 65 years, left behind not only a legacy of leadership but also a solemn warning: the succession must not be for sale to the highest bidder.
Now, as the Fusengbuwa ruling house prepares to name a successor, its head, Abdulateef Owoyemi, has revealed a startling challenge—no fewer than eight potential candidates have approached the family with monetary offers in a brazen attempt to influence the selection process.
Owoyemi, speaking with unwavering resolve at his Idowa Ijebu country home, vowed that the sacred duty of choosing the next Awujale will not be compromised by the deep pockets of aspirants. He emphasized that the elders’ council has consistently turned down these financial overtures, prioritizing instead a transparent and fair process aimed at identifying the best possible candidate to lead Ijebu land into the future.
This commitment, he noted, is deeply rooted in the explicit wishes of the late Oba Adetona, who during the 2019 Ojude Oba festival, voiced concerns about individuals budgeting enormous sums to secure the throne.
The monarch’s cautionary words have become a guiding spirit for the ruling house: the successor must be the right candidate, one capable of elevating Ijebu Ode to greater heights, not a wealthy individual whose reign could diminish its stature.
Amidst these external pressures, the Fusengbuwa ruling house has also faced internal strife, with competing factions claiming leadership. Owoyemi, a Chartered Accountant and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), extended an olive branch to family members, urging unity and collaboration for the greater good of producing a historic Awujale.
He highlighted a recent judicial victory at the Ibadan Court of Appeal, which affirmed his position as the legitimate Olori Ebi of Fusengbuwa, a ruling that he believes should settle the leadership dispute and allow the family to focus on its critical responsibility.
The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Binta Fatima Zubairu, resolved all issues in his favor, effectively dismissing the claims of Prince Adedokun Ajidagba and reinforcing Owoyemi’s authority since his appointment in 2013.
The late Awujale’s personal intervention in February 2025, calling Owoyemi to the palace to mend fences and reaffirm his role as a trusted ally and senior titleholder, further underscores the significance of this moment.
As the Fusengbuwa ruling house navigates the complexities of tradition, legality, and ethical integrity, the eyes of Ijebu land and the broader Yoruba nation are fixed upon them.
The selection of the next Awujale will not only determine the future of the kingdom but also test the enduring values of a culture where merit, not money, must crown the king.
