On Friday, members of Ijebu Ode’s Fusengbuwa ruling house protested in the city’s streets against a purported scheme to force a candidate on the family during the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebu land.
The next person in line to take over the Awujale seat is Fusengbuwa, one of Ijebu Ode’s four governing dynasties.
After 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, passed away in July of last year, the position fell vacant.
The demonstrators carried signs that read things like “Let Ifa oracle determine the next Awujale” and “Fusengbuwa say no to imposition.” Among other things, “Let the kingmakers do their job; we say no to imposition.”
The family members began their protest at the Odo Egbo junction and proceeded to the secretariat of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Itooro, via Awujale Palace/Itale Road. LG chairman Dare Alebiosu welcomed them.
Mrs. Adejugba Obileye, speaking on behalf of the ruling house, stated that the protest’s goals were to call for the palace’s reopening and to implore the government to avoid any imposition schemes.
According to Obileye, the kingmakers and the reigning family were already using customary and legal procedures to choose the most qualified applicant for the open seat. She emphasized that the Awujale stool should not be compromised for financial or political reasons since it is precious.
“We are at the Ijebu Ode Local Government secretariat to register our displeasure over the closure of the palace and the alleged plan to impose the next Awujale on us,” stated Obileye, who is also the Aremobinrin Jadiara.
“Any strategy of imposition is rejected by the Fusengbuwa ruling house. It is not appropriate to fill the Awujale stool for political reasons because it is sacred.
“A political Awujale is not what we desire. It is important to preserve the rich cultural legacy of the Ijebu kingdom. Instead of forcing a foreigner on us, the government ought to let our family’s Ifa oracle choose the best candidate.
“The government need to let the kingmakers carry out their duties. Although we have nothing against the administration, the current selection process shouldn’t be unnecessarily interfered with.
Speaking as well, Olubunmi Adesanya, a member of the ruling house, begged the government to honor the customary selection procedure, saying, “We beg the government not to impose the next Awujale on us.” The candidate shall be chosen by the kingmakers and the Ifa oracle. We ask our chairman to inform the administration that we oppose imposition in all its forms.
Speaking on behalf of traditionalists, High Chief Adekunle Talabi, the Obajelu of Imoko and priest of the Agemo masquerade, also urged the government to disassociate itself from any purported imposition scheme.
“I implore our governor to let the proper action to be taken. It is not appropriate to impose. The next Awujale should be chosen by the kingmakers and the ruling Fusengbuwa house.
“Traditionalists are dissatisfied with the purported plan, and we implore the government to put it on hold and allow things to continue in accordance with tradition.”
The Local Government Chairman, Dare Alebiosu, addressed the demonstrators and rejected the claims of government meddling. He promised to bring up their issues with the governor and stated that the palace has been reopened since Thursday.
“The palace is now open again. There is nothing like to the stated imposition, but I will forward your request to the Abeokuta seat of power. Interfering with the kingmakers is not something the government wants to do.
“I implore you to go back home and make sure thugs don’t take over your nonviolent demonstration.” The governor will hear about your concerns.
A plethora of complaints from security agencies and other stakeholders prompted the state government to halt the Awujale selection process earlier, according to a statement signed by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ganiyu Hamzat.
Tension reportedly increased as a result of this move, with some claiming that the administration wanted to set the stage for imposition.
But the state administration rejected these allegations as unfounded through Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Advisor on Information and Strategy to Abiodun. According to him, the governor is still dedicated to maintaining due process, honoring the independence of traditional institutions, and making sure the next Awujale is chosen fairly.
The public was reassured by Dr. Sonny Kuku, the regent and leader of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, that the kingmakers would not put up with any imposition:
“Kingmakers have been diligently examining more than 1,200 documents from at least 95 applicants. The goal of these restless evenings is to find the best applicant. Government influence reports are just conjecture.
“The kingmakers will uphold the public’s trust because they understand their obligations. The government’s move to pause the selection process shouldn’t be concerning because we are in communication and will get together shortly to address any ambiguities.
