Spokesman of the Fusengbuwa Royal Ruling House, Abiodun Ogidan, has warned that the ongoing process to select the next Awujale of Ijebuland must not be subjected to political interference, financial inducement or intimidation, insisting that the revered stool remains a sacred traditional institution governed strictly by age-long customs and traditions.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Ogidan said any attempt to influence the emergence of the next paramount ruler through money or pressure would amount to a clear violation of Ijebu tradition and an affront to the integrity of the Awujale stool.
“The Awujale stool remains a sacred traditional institution whose selection process must be guided strictly by customs and traditions handed down over generations,” Ogidan said. “No amount of inducement or pressure should influence the emergence of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.”
Ogidan attributed the growing protests and public tension surrounding the succession process to misinformation and lack of proper understanding of how the selection exercise is conducted.
“There is a lot of misinformation and lack of information,” he said. “For those protesting, it is more of a lack of information. The royal family deliberately kept quiet to observe how things would unfold.”
Addressing concerns over the unusually high number of candidates — estimated at between 95 and 100 — Ogidan explained that the long gap since the Fusengbuwa ruling house last produced an Awujale had led to an expansion across multiple generations.
“One hundred years is a long time,” he said. “Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have expanded the family. That is why we have many eligible candidates today.”
He clarified that screening of candidates was carried out strictly by the royal family, not the kingmakers, in line with the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.
“All documents submitted by candidates were screened by the family,” Ogidan said. “They were bagged in the presence of the DSS and the police, padlocked, and taken directly to the palace where they were handed over to the kingmakers, the Afobajes.”
Ogidan dismissed claims that the Fusengbuwa family was fragmented, explaining that earlier internal disagreements had been resolved.
“We had three factions initially, but we came together,” he said. “There is no faction anymore. We are one family.”
He explained that because of statutory timelines under the 2022 Chieftaincy Law, the family could not restart the screening process after unification.
“Once we received the letter from the local government, we had 14 days,” he said. “It was not possible to restart screening for nearly 100 people, so we harmonised all existing submissions.”
On allegations that candidates were asked to pay ₦10 million, Ogidan acknowledged that contributions were initially discussed to cover logistical costs but said the decision was later reversed.
“Every person who paid was refunded,” he said. “It was not a condition for participation, and the refunds can be confirmed.”
He stressed that the family strongly frowns at corruption and inducement, while distinguishing between bribery and culturally acceptable gestures.
“We frown at bribery and inducement,” Ogidan said. “But in our culture, it is not unusual for someone to visit an elder with a gift. What we reject is anything meant to influence the process.”
Ogidan also criticised the suspension of activities at the palace, describing it as culturally unacceptable.
“Locking the palace gate is an abomination in Ijebu land,” he said. “The palace is like a marketplace — shutting it deprives the people of access and violates tradition.”
Responding to allegations by one nominee that his name was excluded, Ogidan said documentation would determine eligibility.
“If someone submitted documents, they must be on the list,” he said. “If there is a spelling issue or name variation, that can be corrected during interviews.”
He maintained that the final authority does not rest solely with the family or kingmakers.
“No candidate can be selected and imposed,” Ogidan said. “The process involves interviews, traditional requirements, and legal confirmation by the government.”
Ogidan concluded by urging the Ogun State Government to allow the kingmakers to complete their work without interference.
“The most important thing is that the government should allow the Afobajes to carry out their duties,” he said. “If the due process is allowed to run its course, the transition will be peaceful and legitimate.”
Boluwatife Enome
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