By Peter Omopo
The selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland is expected to be concluded within the next 14 days following the completion of the nomination process by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by Otunba Jadiara Lateef Owoyemi, Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, while addressing journalists after the screening exercise held at Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode.
Owoyemi said the nomination process was conducted peacefully and successfully, adding that the names of qualified candidates would be forwarded to the Afobaje, the traditional kingmakers, for the next stage of selection.
Officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, led by the Secretary, Abiodun Oke-Adebanjo, were present at the exercise, alongside key leaders of the ruling house, including Deputy Olori Ebi Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba and Chairman Chief Fassy Yusuf.
According to Owoyemi, 95 princes and princesses initially indicated interest in contesting for the revered Awujale stool, but only 85 successfully completed the nomination process. He noted that Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1, was absent, as his name did not appear among the nominees.
The Olori Ebi disclosed that all aspirants who completed the process signed an undertaking committing themselves not to pursue litigation after the exercise.
“It was a peaceful process. It is now the turn of the Afobaje to do their traditional work of selecting the next Awujale,” Owoyemi said.
He explained that after the kingmakers complete their selection, the chosen candidate’s name would be forwarded to the Ogun State Government for final approval.
Owoyemi stressed that the eventual monarch would be chosen from among the 85 nominees who scaled the nomination stage, in accordance with tradition and guidance from the oracle.
“The one that the oracle will pick is among the 85 that went through the nomination process. The kingmakers will select the best king for us,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, he added that there was no rancour or commotion throughout the process.
“We thank God that everything went smoothly. We now look forward to the next stage and pray that the kingmakers and Ogun State Government will select a candidate who aligns with the yearnings of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, our ancestors and the will of Almighty God as revealed by Ifa,” Owoyemi stated.
He concluded by praying for divine guidance for the kingmakers as they undertake the crucial task of choosing a new Awujale who would promote peace, unity and progress in Ijebu Ode.
The development marks a major step in the succession process for one of the most prominent traditional stools in southwestern Nigeria, following the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
