The Fusengbuwa/Jadiara Ruling House of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has called for a fresh selection process for the vacant Awujale stool, insisting that the exercise must be transparent, inclusive, and conducted in line with established procedures. This decision was made during a meeting of the ruling house held at Ule Nla Agunsebi Hall, Ijebu Ode, on Sunday. The meeting was attended by elders, princes, and heads of various family units.
The ruling house expressed concerns over the conduct of the previous selection exercise, including alleged procedural breaches, inadequate consultation, and other issues that undermined confidence in the process. Omooba Otukayode Hakeem Otufale was elected as the new Olori Ebi, and he pledged to promote unity, transparency, and accountability within the ruling house. Otufale also raised concerns about the conduct of the previous committee that handled the selection process.
Otufale alleged that the previous process was characterised by traditional and procedural infractions, as well as inadequate consultation with members of the ruling house. He also claimed that the committee did not operate effectively as a team and failed to render an account of funds allegedly collected from aspirants. According to him, the chairmen involved in the process had been informed by the government that money should not determine the selection of a candidate for the Awujale stool.
The new Olori Ebi called on anyone claiming that the funds had been refunded to provide documentary evidence for verification by the appropriate authorities. He also alleged that some aspirants were excluded from meetings despite established practices within the ruling house. Otufale questioned the submission of 86 names to the kingmakers without proper screening, raising questions about whether those responsible for the process had fully discharged their responsibilities.
Otufale further alleged that two former chairmen associated with the selection process had acquired new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, calling for the circumstances surrounding the alleged acquisitions to be established. He said the former chairmen had lost the confidence of the ruling house and should no longer be entrusted with responsibilities relating to the selection process. The ruling house reiterated its call for a fresh and transparent selection process.
On reported legal proceedings instituted by some former leaders in connection with the Awujale selection process, Otufale said the ruling house was neither aware of nor a party to any such action against the Ogun State Government. He said the new leadership would communicate its position to the court and clarify that the individuals involved were not authorised to act on behalf of the ruling house. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House dissociated itself from any legal action against the government.
The new Olori Ebi, Otufale, pledged to ensure fairness for all qualified members of the ruling house, insisting that the selection process should be conducted from the family house and in accordance with established procedures. Another member of the ruling house, Omooba Abiodun Ogidan, also called for the selection process to be restarted, alleging that the previous exercise had been compromised by the former chairman and his deputy.
Key points
- The Fusengbuwa/Jadiara Ruling House has elected Omooba Otukayode Hakeem Otufale as the new Olori Ebi.
- The ruling house is calling for a fresh and transparent selection process for the vacant Awujale stool.
- The new Olori Ebi has pledged to promote unity, transparency, and accountability within the ruling house.
