Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State – The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland has formally announced the creation of a screening committee to evaluate princes aspiring to the revered throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
The move comes days after the Ogun State Government inaugurated an 11-member administrative council to manage Ijebu-Ode’s affairs pending the installation of a new Awujale.
Speaking at a press conference at the historic Ile-Nla compound in Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief Adedokun Ajidagba, described the step as both necessary and historic.
“At 81, I remain grounded in the history and records of our family. We have always prepared our candidates responsibly, and this is another defining moment,” Ajidagba declared, recalling how the Fusengbuwa family presented aspirants in 1983 under the administration of Chief Bisi Onabanjo.
Ajidagba commended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s interim committee led by Dr. Sonny Kuku, stressing that the stool of the Awujale is too important to be left to chance.
“We cannot wait until the Afobajes summon us before preparing. This stool is paramount, and the world is watching,” he added.
The announcement drew support from other ruling houses. Alhaji Taheeb Mabadeje Alaga of the Anikilaya Ruling House pledged solidarity:
“We cannot fold our arms and allow injustice to prevail. The three remaining ruling houses are fully behind this initiative.”
Echoing the sentiment, Alhaji Adelagun Anibi, secretary of the Gbelegbuwa Ruling House, affirmed his house’s backing, while Prince Tolu Ogidan reflected on the sacred nature of kingship.
“Not every prince is destined to be king. Some are born to lead, others to be crowned. But government cannot choose for us when the time comes,” he said.
For the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the unveiling of the screening committee marks the beginning of a historic process that will eventually determine the next custodian of one of Yorubaland’s most revered stools.
