The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland has announced the establishment of a screening committee to assess aspirants to the revered stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland shortly after the Ogun State Government inaugurated an 11-member interim administrative council to oversee the affairs of Ijebu-Ode pending the installation of a new Awujale.
At a press conference held Wednesday at the Ile-Nla compound in Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief Adedokun Ajidagba, described the step as historic saying;
“I am a child of history, and when I speak, I speak with authority. At 81, I remain firmly grounded in the history and records of our family. That is what we stand for,”
He recalled that in 1983, the Fusengbuwa family presented candidates to the Ogun State Government under the late Governor Bisi Onabanjo, with their names published in the Sketch newspaper. He said the present development mirrors that moment, with the house once again preparing to put forward candidates.
Ajidagba commended the Ogun State Government for setting up the administrative team led by Dr. Sonny Kuku, adding that the family’s screening committee would ensure that only credible princes are presented.
“We do not need to wait until the Afobajes summon us before preparing our candidate. The stool of the Awujale is not just any position; it is paramount, and the world is watching,” he stressed.
Although the Fusengbuwa family confirmed the setting up of the screening committee, the names of its members were not made public at the press conference.
Other ruling houses also voiced their support. Alhaji Taheeb Mabadeje Alaga, head of the Anikilaya Ruling House, praised Ajidagba’s leadership, saying: “We cannot fold our arms and allow injustice to prevail. The remaining three ruling houses are fully behind this team.”
Similarly, Alhaji Adelagun Anibi, secretary of the Gbelegbuwa Ruling House, affirmed his house’s backing, while Prince Tolu Ogidan emphasized that kingship is not for every prince.
“Some are born to lead, while others are born to be crowned. Government cannot choose for us when the time comes. We are here to support our family and uphold history,” Ogidan said.
The briefing drew modest attendance from members of the Fusengbuwa family and representatives of both the Anikilaya and Gbelegbuwa ruling houses.
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