The Ijebu Progressive Elders Forum (IPEF) has warned against an alleged attempt to impose a preferred candidate on the people of Ijebuland as the next Awujale. In a statement signed by its National President, High Chief Adebanjo Adeboluro, the forum called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to withdraw from the process and allow the Afobajes to perform their traditional responsibility of selecting the next Awujale. The forum alleged that the succession process had been subjected to unnecessary delays, political interference, and deliberate attempts to create divisions within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
The IPEF expressed concern over the recognition of Otunba Olukayode Otufale as Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, insisting that the leadership of the family should be determined by its members in accordance with established customs. The forum questioned the involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the internal administrative process of the ruling house, describing it as an attempt to create divisions. The DSS had invited some Fusengbuwa Oloriebis over the sale of expression-of-interest forms to princes and princesses interested in the vacant stool.
The IPEF stressed that every qualified prince should be allowed to participate in the succession exercise without political influence or preferential treatment. The forum maintained that a list of eligible candidates had already been produced and forwarded to the Afobajes, whose responsibility is to select the next monarch in line with the applicable chieftaincy provisions. The elders demanded an end to the unnecessary delays in filling the vacant stool, insisting that the process had been stalled for more than 15 months.
The IPEF called on Governor Abiodun to stop any alleged attempt to favour a particular aspirant, remove political influence from the selection exercise, and allow all eligible princes from the 12 branches of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to participate. The forum urged the government to allow the family to resolve its leadership question through established customs rather than imposing an individual on it. The Awujale institution is bigger than any individual or government, the forum stated.
The IPEF warned that the people of Ijebuland would resist any attempt to produce a monarch through political sponsorship, insisting that the next Awujale must emerge through a transparent and legitimate traditional process. The forum stated that it would not accept an imposed Awujale or a monarch selected through political sponsorship. The people have been patient, but that patience must not be mistaken for weakness, the forum warned.
On Tuesday, Governor Abiodun reassured the people of Ijebuland that a new Awujale would emerge before May 29, 2027. The governor gave the assurance at the Ogun East Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where he engaged representatives of various interest groups on traditional affairs, governance, and the district’s economic prospects. He acknowledged the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity, and unity of Ijebuland.
The governor appealed to the people to remain calm and patient while the necessary processes were being concluded. He said his administration was giving the matter the attention it deserved to ensure that the process was concluded peacefully and that the emergence of a new Awujale enjoyed the acceptance and support of the people. The governor’s assurance comes amid the IPEF’s warning against government interference in the selection process.
Key points
- The Ijebu Progressive Elders Forum warns against government interference in selecting the next Awujale.
- The forum demands an end to unnecessary delays in filling the vacant stool.
- Governor Abiodun reassures the people of Ijebuland that a new Awujale will emerge before May 29, 2027.
