Fresh details have emerged on why the Fusengbuwa ruling house suspended its nomination meeting to select candidates for the vacant Awujale stool in Ijebuland.
The meeting, earlier scheduled for Monday at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, was put on hold following an intervention by the Ogun State Government aimed at preventing procedural lapses that could trigger legal disputes.
The Fusengbuwa ruling house, next in line to produce the Awujale after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025, had announced strict guidelines for the nomination process. Only accredited family members were to be present, with each aspirant nominated and seconded by two family representatives. Candidates themselves were not to attend.
However, the ruling house later announced a postponement, citing circumstances beyond its control.
Explaining the development, the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, said the decision followed a summons from the state government to review the process and ensure full compliance with existing laws.
According to him, the government’s move was to forestall litigation and ensure a flawless selection process.
“The meeting was postponed because the state government invited us for discussions to ensure all procedures are properly followed,” Owoyemi said. “This has nothing to do with any individual or aspirant. It is simply about doing things the right way and avoiding future legal complications.”
He dismissed claims linking the postponement to controversies surrounding the eligibility of any aspirant, describing such claims as unfounded.
The Vice Chairman of the ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the government had invited the ruling house, kingmakers and the Awujale Interregnum Committee to a meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
He disclosed that no fewer than 60 princes are currently aspiring to succeed the late monarch, who ruled Ijebuland for 65 years.
“There are some procedural issues yet to be concluded,” Prof. Yusuf said. “The government wants to be sure everything is in order. The outcome of the meeting will determine when the nomination meeting will be reconvened.”
He added that speculation surrounding the postponement was misleading, stressing that the process remained open and inclusive.
The succession process has gained urgency following reports that the local government had given the ruling house a 14-day ultimatum to submit names of eligible candidates for the revered throne.