The Fusengbuwa/Jadiara Ruling House of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has called for a fresh selection process for the vacant Awujale stool. This decision was made at a meeting of the ruling house at Ule Nla Agunsebi Hall, Ijebu Ode, on Sunday. The ruling house expressed concerns over the handling of the previous exercise, including alleged procedural infractions, inadequate consultation, and other issues that compromised confidence in the process.
During the meeting, Omooba Otukayode Hakeem Otufale was elected as the new Olori Ebi. Representatives of various family units presented a certificate to Otufale, formally recognising him as the new Olori Ebi. The ruling house aims to reposition itself, restore unity, and ensure its role in the selection of the next Awujale is properly recognised.
Otunba Kehinde Alebiosun, speaking on behalf of the Tunwase Ruling House, stated that the family decided to regroup due to an embarrassing situation arising from the manner in which former leaders handled the selection process. He alleged serious traditional infractions, failure to follow due procedures, and inadequate consultation with members of the ruling house.
In his acceptance speech, Otufale pledged to promote unity, transparency, and accountability. He raised questions about the conduct of the previous committee that handled the selection process, alleging that the committee failed to operate as a team and did not account for funds collected from aspirants. Otufale also called for documentary evidence from anyone claiming that the funds had been refunded.
Otufale further raised questions over reports that two former chairmen associated with the process had acquired new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles. He called for the circumstances surrounding the acquisitions to be established and stated that the former chairmen had lost the confidence of the ruling house and should no longer be entrusted with responsibilities relating to the selection process.
On the legal proceedings reportedly instituted by some former leaders in connection with the Awujale selection process, Otufale stated that the ruling house was not aware of or party to any such action against the state government. The new leadership will communicate the position of the ruling house to the court and clarify that the individuals concerned were not authorised to act on its behalf.
The ruling house maintained that the fresh process should be conducted transparently, with all qualified members given fair consideration and established procedures strictly followed. A member of the ruling house, Omooba Abiodun Ogidan, also called for the selection process to be restarted, saying the previous process had been compromised by the former chairman and his deputy.
Key points
- The Fusengbuwa/Jadiara Ruling House demands a fresh selection process for the vacant Awujale stool due to concerns over the handling of the previous exercise.
- Omooba Otukayode Hakeem Otufale was elected as the new Olori Ebi, vowing to promote unity, transparency, and accountability.
- The ruling house aims to reposition itself, restore unity, and ensure its role in the selection of the next Awujale is properly recognised.
