The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the Awujale of Ijebuland following the passing of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona of the Anikilaya Ruling House, has formally declared its readiness by performing the traditional Gbedu drum ceremony — a culturally significant ritual signaling intent to present a successor.
Held on Thursday, the ceremony drew elders, stakeholders, and members of the royal family, marking the beginning of the traditional process to select the next Awujale.
Speaking at the event, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, the Olori-Ebi (head) of the Fusengbuwa family, reaffirmed the family’s preparedness to nominate a worthy and qualified candidate from among its princes. He called on all branches of the family to unite and support the process.
“In Ijebu-Ode, we have four ruling houses: Anikilaya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa. The last Awujale was from Anikilaya, so by rotation, it is now the turn of Fusengbuwa, which I currently lead,” Ajidagba stated.
“It is our tradition to beat the Gbedu drums following the demise of an Awujale. It spiritually and culturally signals the rightful ruling house’s readiness to produce the next monarch.”
He also urged the Ogun State Government and political stakeholders not to interfere in the sacred selection process. “Whosoever emerges must be embraced by all and must uphold the customs of Ijebuland,” he emphasized.
“Ajidagba disputed Dr. Adekunle Hassan’s claim to family leadership, asserting that his paternal lineage is from Ilesa and thus not of the Fusengbuwa bloodline.” He affirmed that the Ijebu-Ode Local Government issued an official certificate in 2023 recognizing Fusengbuwa as a legitimate ruling house and himself as the certified Olori-Ebi.
Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, General Secretary of both the Fusengbuwa family and the collective four ruling houses, also spoke at the event, highlighting over two decades of meticulous record-keeping.
“The Fusengbuwa Ruling House comprises eight branches. All are present today and united in our responsibility to present a candidate of character and heritage,” he said, commending Ajidagba’s leadership for maintaining family cohesion.
Chief Razaq Adeleye Osimodi, Olowa Iberu of Ijebu-Ode, Abore of Awujale, a senior member of the Kingmakers’ Council, and a member of the Fusengbuwa family, expressed elation that the royal stool has rotated back to their lineage. He emphasized that the Gbedu ceremony is the traditional mechanism for identifying the next ruling family and called for a transparent process guided solely by tradition and the Ifa oracle.
“Even the late Awujale, Oba S.K. Adetona, once said during an Ojude Oba celebration that the kingmakers must not be influenced by money or status but should follow tradition without fear or favour,” he recalled.
In response to questions about preventing any deviation from traditional norms once a new king is installed, Chief Osimodi stressed that anyone selected by the Ifa oracle would be divinely guided. “The oracle is perfect. Problems arise when individuals try to transfer the choice to someone else—like a son—based on age or ambition. We will not do that. Whoever the oracle picks—be it a 50-year-old or a 14-year-old—will be our king,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Prince Olaseni Samsideen Otun praised the uniqueness of Ijebu traditions and expressed pride in the family’s role in the succession. When asked about youth representation, especially considering that Oba Adetona ascended the throne at the age of 26, he affirmed that the family will strictly follow traditional procedures, without bias or favoritism.
“There is no division in our family. The process will be fair and guided by tradition. Whoever emerges will have our full support,” he said.
Prince Sikirudeen Ademola Bello also confirmed that all eight branches of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are united, noting that while the contest may be competitive, the family is trusting in divine guidance.
“There is no controversy. We are collectively praying for God’s wisdom and protection for our elders as we move forward,” he said.
Prince Olatubosun Okunowo, Treasurer of the Fidipote family, confirmed their full support for the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. When asked whether Gbedu drumming could be performed elsewhere, he responded, “No. This ceremony is exclusive to the recognized ruling house until another transition is due.”
Alhaji Prince Akinmade Lagun Anipin, head of the Gbelegbuwa family, noted that while the drum has been beaten to signify Fusengbuwa’s turn, a new Awujale cannot be installed until three important chieftaincies—Idagirin, Apebi, and Olokobojada—are filled. These must precede the coronation.
Alhaji Muhammed Tohib Mabadeje Alaga, head of the Anikilaya and Ogbagba ruling families, also confirmed their full support for the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in the royal succession process.
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