Crises Erupt In Awujale Selection

Crises Erupt In Awujale Selection

OpenLife Nigeria reports that crises have erupted in the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebu land.

The Awujale holds the position of Paramount Ruler of the Ijebu Kingdom in Ogun State, a first-class kingship in Yoruba land. The royal title belongs to the monarch of the Ijebu people, who are a part of the larger Yoruba cultural group. It is a prominent spiritual, cultural, and political leader, tracing lineage to the ancient kingdom of Ile-Ife.

The crises were made known when Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi alleged that Fidipote, Gbelegbuwa, and Anikilaya ruling houses were fanning discord and meddling in Fusengbuwa’s internal affairs.

Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi is the head of Fusengbuwa family which is expected to produce the next Awujale.

Traditionally, the Awujale stool rotates among four ruling houses: Fidipote, Gbelegbuwa, Anikilaya, and Fusengbuwa.

History has it that the Anikilaya ruling house produced Oba Sikiru Adetona, the last monarch, who occupied the seat for 65 years until his passing on July 13 at age 91.

At the moment, the Fusengbuwa ruling house is next to produce the Awujale.

According to available information, Owoyemi, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, in a meeting reportedly told ‘the council’: “We appeal to you to convene an urgent meeting with the leaders of the three other ruling houses and request them to leave Fusengbuwa alone to resolve our differences.

“They should stop fanning the embers of discord or promoting the diabolical efforts of a dissident unit bent on undermining the entire family.

“Fusengbuwa has never interfered in the affairs of the other houses. In the name of Almighty God and in reverence for our noble ancestors, they must stop meddling. Their actions are setting a dangerous precedent with foreseeable disastrous consequences.”

In a remark, the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, has warned the three other ruling houses in Ijebu Ode against acts capable of derailing the process of selecting a new Awujale.

Speaking virtually on Tuesday during a visit by elders of the Fusengbuwa family, Alebiosu assured that the government would not tolerate interference by other ruling houses.

Alebiosu maintained that the throne must revert to the Fusengbuwa family as tradition dictates.
“I want to assure you that the government is on top of everything. We won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act.

“This is not a banana republic, and no interloper will be allowed. Each ruling house has its turn, and now it is Fusengbuwa’s turn. The family has capable sons to occupy the stool, and the right thing will be done,” he said.

He added that the matter would be reported to the governor and promised to review documents submitted by the Fusengbuwa ruling house.

Dignitaries at the meeting included the Dagburewe of Idowa Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Okuribido; the Saderiren of Isoyin, Oba Abdurasheed Salami; and the Onirete of Irete, Oba Abdulganiyu Awokoya-Yesufu, among others.

                                                        Key Aspects of the Awujale’s Position

{A}Paramount Ruler

The Awujale is the supreme traditional ruler of the Ijebu people and their land, a position of significant prestige in Nigeria.

{B}Yoruba Leadership

The Awujale is one of the most respected and influential Obas (Kings) in Yorubaland, an area that is culturally rich and historically significant.

{C}Spiritual and Cultural Leader: Like other Obas, the Awujale’s role extends beyond political governance to encompass spiritual and cultural responsibilities, serving as a symbol of the community’s identity.

{D}Administrative Power: The Oba serves as the traditional head of the Ijebu kingdom, working with a council of elders known as the Òsùgbó to govern the kingdom.

{E} Yoruba Heritage: The Awujale is a prominent figure in the promotion and preservation of Yoruba culture, with events like the Ojude Oba festival serving as significant expressions of this heritage.

{F} Historical and Political Influence: The position has been held by monarchs who have also been involved in national politics and diplomacy, contributing to peace and unity in Nigeria.