Two ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode — Anikilaya and Gbelegbuwa — have thrown their weight behind Prince Adedokun Ajidagba as the Olori-Ebi (family head) of the Fusengbuwa ruling house.
Prince Taheeb Mabadeje Alaga, head of the Anikilaya ruling house and chairman of the four ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode, alongside Alhaji Akeem Adelagun Anibi, secretary of the Gbelegbuwa ruling house, made their positions clear in separate interviews on Saturday.
Both men affirmed that Ajidagba, together with Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, the general secretary of the four ruling houses, had been performing the roles of Olori-Ebi and secretary long before the passing of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Prince Mabadeje recalled a past court ruling that dismissed the claims of Chief Lateef Owoyemi against Ajidagba, stressing that Ajidagba’s legitimacy as family head was well established. “I have known Prince Ajidagba for over 40 years. Our fathers were active in the family together. At 82, I cannot see black and call it white. He is the authentic Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa,” Mabadeje said.
He also urged the Ogun State government and the Afobaje (kingmakers) to remain neutral, insisting that only the family can present a rightful candidate: “Government should not meddle in family affairs. The next Awujale must be a man of deep roots, not a moneybag or outsider.”
Echoing this stance, Alhaji Anibi said the four ruling houses have continued to meet under Ajidagba’s leadership. He dismissed Owoyemi’s claim to the Fusengbuwa family, describing him as “an impostor from Idowa.”
“Fusengbuwa is rooted in Agunsebi Ile-Nla compound. We have consistently recognized Prince Ajidagba as Olori-Ebi and stand behind him to present a credible candidate for the Awujale stool,” he affirmed.
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