The passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025, after an extraordinary 65-year reign, has opened a historic chapter in Ijebuland. With the revered Awujale stool now vacant, attention has shifted to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House — the rightful family tasked with producing the next Awujale.
But amid speculation and mounting interest, the Olufadi Royal Family has moved to set the record straight: the throne is strictly reserved for direct descendants of Awujale Fusengbuwa.
“Outsiders with no direct blood ties to Fusengbuwa are not eligible to contest for the stool,” affirmed Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, General Secretary of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
Tradition Anchored in Law
The Chiefs Law of 1959 is unambiguous. It identifies the Fusengbuwa Ruling House — named after Awujale Fusengbuwa himself — as the sole custodian of succession rights. The law further stipulates that candidates must come through the male line of descent. Only if no qualified male exists can descendants through the female line be considered.
This principle safeguards the throne’s legitimacy, ensuring that succession flows through the authentic bloodline of Fusengbuwa.
Precedent of Male Line Rotation
Ijebu history already provides ample evidence of this practice. The Anikilaya Ruling House produced two Awujales from separate male lines — Adeleke Ogbagba (1896–1906) and Ademolu Fesogbade (1916–1925). The Fidipote Ruling House also followed suit with Adeona (1906–1915) and Ogunnaike (1929–1933).
The Fusengbuwa House itself consists of eight family units, but only two male lines — the Olufadi line (from Olufadekemi, Fusengbuwa’s first-born Abidagba) and the Tunwase line (descended from Ali Adesimbo) — hold the primary right to present candidates. Other units can only participate if both male lines fail to produce qualified successors.
Prince Adeleke stressed:
“The royal family is large and inclusive, but the stool itself remains the prerogative of direct male descendants, with female-line descendants enjoying secondary rights.”
A Story of Denial and Persistence
History recalls how succession rights slipped away from the Olufadi line in 1886, when Olufadi had passed on, leaving Tunwase as the sole candidate. Tunwase reigned as the 45th Awujale until 1895. His descendant, Theophilus Adenuga Tunwase, also took the throne in 1925 but was deposed in 1929.
That same year, Oduwole Obanlefa Olufadi — a direct male descendant of Olufadi — petitioned the colonial administration to reclaim his family’s rightful claim. Although the appeal was dismissed in favor of the Fidipote House, the petition kept the Olufadi line’s legitimate claim alive.
Despite this century-long setback, the Olufadi family has remained deeply rooted in service to Ijebuland. Notably, Prince Fasasi Adebisi Obanlefa Adeyemi, a fourth-generation descendant, served with distinction as Olori-Ebi (head of the ruling house) from 1988 to 2013.
Unity Above All
As the kingmakers prepare for this crucial decision, the Fusengbuwa family emphasizes unity and respect for heritage. Prince Adeleke expressed gratitude to Ogun State Governor Prince Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun, MFR, and the newly constituted Administrative Body of Ijebu-Ode for their role in upholding due process.
“This moment is not just about choosing a king; it is about safeguarding Ijebu heritage for generations to come,” he said.
The next Awujale will not only occupy a throne but also carry the weight of history, tradition, and the unbroken legacy of Fusengbuwa.
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