Two of Ijebu-Ode’s ruling houses, Anikilaya and Gbelegbuwa, have thrown their weight behind Prince Adedokun Ajidagba as the authentic Olori-Ebi (family head) of the Fusengbuwa ruling house.
Prince Taheeb Mabadeje Alaga, head of the Anikilaya ruling house and chairman of the four ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode, alongside Alhaji Akeem Adelagun Anibi, secretary of the Gbelegbuwa ruling house, made the declaration in separate interviews with journalists on Saturday.
The leaders maintained that Prince Ajidagba, working with Prince Adeleke Adeyemi as secretary, had been discharging the duties of Olori-Ebi and family scribe long before the passing of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Prince Mabadeje recalled that a court ruling had earlier dismissed the claim of Chief Lateef Owoyemi to the Fusengbuwa family, paving way for Ajidagba’s confirmation.
“I have known Prince Adedokun Ajidagba for over 40 years. Our fathers were both part of the Anikilaya and Fusengbuwa ruling houses. I am 82 years old, raised on strong values — I cannot see black and call it white. Ajidagba has been functioning as Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa long before the death of Oba Adetona,” Mabadeje declared.
He emphasized that his recognition of Ajidagba was rooted in truth and history, not sentiment, adding that records clearly show the late Awujale had rejected Owoyemi’s claim to the Fusengbuwa lineage.
The Anikilaya head also appealed to the Ogun State Government and the Afobaje (kingmakers) to steer clear of family politics.
“The government should not intervene in family matters. It is the duty of the ruling houses to present a viable candidate with deep ancestral roots, not a moneybag or outsider,” he stressed.
Similarly, Alhaji Anibi of the Gbelegbuwa ruling house affirmed the joint recognition of Ajidagba by all four ruling houses.
“The four families — Gbelegbuwa, Fidipote, Anikilaya and Fusengbuwa — have been holding meetings with Prince Ajidagba as Olori-Ebi and Prince Adeleke as secretary. During the recent Gbedu drum ceremony, we were all present to honour them,” he noted.
Dismissing claims from Idowa, Anibi added:
“Fusengbuwa family is undeniably tied to the Agunsebi Ile-Nla compound in Ijebu-Ode. I do not understand how someone from Idowa can claim to be Olori-Ebi here. Such a person is an impostor. We have consistently supported Ajidagba since his emergence, and we stand firmly behind him to present a credible candidate for the Awujale stool.”
