The Chairman, Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, Otunba Abdullateef Abdulaziz Owoyemi, has declared that no political figure, no matter how powerful, can override the authority of kingmakers in the ongoing Awujale succession process.
Owoyemi made this known during an appearance on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, where he addressed growing public anxiety over alleged political interference and manipulation surrounding the revered stool.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose reign lasted more than six decades and significantly shaped the political and cultural landscape of Ijebuland.
Speaking on fears that influential interests might hijack the process, Owoyemi said the traditional and legal framework guiding the selection is firm and cannot be bent by external pressure.
“I understand the fear. But I want to assure the people of Ijebuland that this process is protected by law, tradition, and divine oath. No politician, no billionaire, no godfather can override the kingmakers,” he said.
The Ogun State Government had on January 21, 2026, suspended the succession process, citing multiple petitions, rising tension and security concerns. However, Owoyemi insisted that neither he nor the Fusengbuwa ruling house had been formally served with any petition.
“People keep talking about petitions. Up till today, I have not seen any petition. Nobody has served me any petition. Nobody has served the Fusengbuwa ruling house any petition. I have not been given any document to respond to,” he stated.
He also dismissed claims that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, was backing or imposing any candidate.
“At no time did the President call me, send anyone to me, or instruct me to impose any person. The Governor has also not asked me to impose any candidate. What the Governor wants is peace, stability and a credible process,” Owoyemi said.
Addressing the controversy over the emergence of 95 aspirants, he explained that the number surged after the state government directed the ruling house to refund an earlier ₦10 million administrative and logistical fee introduced to regulate the process.
According to him, the fee was meant to streamline interest and cover ritual, administrative and security logistics. Initially, only 12 aspirants paid. But once the refund was ordered and free application allowed, the number rose sharply.
“Ironically, the same people who forced the refund are now complaining about the number. You cannot dismantle a regulatory mechanism and then complain about chaos,” he added.
On eligibility, Owoyemi stressed that only the kingmakers have the constitutional and traditional mandate to screen candidates, in line with Section 15(1)(b)(3) of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021, which restricts eligibility to direct descendants of former Awujales from the ruling house.
He warned that any unilateral attempt by him to remove names could trigger prolonged litigation capable of stalling the process for years.
Owoyemi further revealed that inducements were offered by interested parties but were rejected.
“Yes, inducements were offered. But I rejected all of them. My oath, my conscience and my family name will not allow me to sell history,” he said.
In an emotional conclusion, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the ancestral trust placed upon him.
“I swore before my ancestors that I would never betray this house. That oath is heavier than money. It is heavier than power. It is heavier than politics. I will leave this position with my integrity intact.”
