As the race to install the next Awujale of Ijebuland intensifies, curator and former lawmaker, Professor Bankole Okuwa, has called on the Ogun State Government to shield the process from external interference and ensure that only candidates from the legitimate royal lineage are considered.
Okuwa, a former Ogun State House of Assembly member under the administration of the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo, made the appeal on Thursday during an interactive session with journalists at his Ijebu-Ode residence.
The academic, who spent years in the United States teaching and later served with the U.S. Department of Defense at Fort Bragg before retiring in 2011, now oversees the Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Museum in Ijebu-Ode.
He described attempts by individuals allegedly trying to “buy” their way onto the revered Awujale stool as both unacceptable and insulting.
Okuwa warned kingmakers to resist compromise and insisted that the Ifa oracle must guide the selection of the rightful candidate, in line with Ijebu tradition.
According to him, certain individuals who have been absent from family activities for years have suddenly resurfaced to identify themselves as members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house following the demise of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
He stressed that the ruling house must present a candidate chosen through proper traditional consultation, saying the sacred throne must not be tainted by politics or financial inducements.
“I know the Fusengbuwa family very well; meetings used to hold at Agbusebi Quarters. Some who have not attended those meetings for years have suddenly appeared. Regardless, the family must do what is right for the community,” he said.
Okuwa maintained that the Awujale throne has historically produced men of strong character and expressed confidence that the Fusengbuwa lineage would uphold that legacy.
He also warned against political interference amid rumours that some actors may attempt to influence the process.
“Our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is a competent man. I believe he will act in the best interest of the Ijebu people. But anyone seeking the throne must first present himself properly to his family. No one can impose himself on us,” he stated.
Condemning alleged gift distribution and financial inducements aimed at swaying decision-makers, he described such practices as “unacceptable” and contrary to Ijebu values.
Using the example of the current Ooni of Ife, Okuwa emphasised that the Ifa oracle remains the guiding compass in Yoruba kingship selection and should be upheld in Ijebuland.
On age considerations, he recommended candidates between 45 and 60 years old, though he noted that Oba Adetona himself ascended the throne at just 26.
“With as many as 48 people reported to have collected forms, the question is how to identify the best among them. Age between 45 and 60 is ideal. Beyond 60 raises other considerations,” he said.
Okuwa appealed to all stakeholders — families, kingmakers, and government — to protect the sanctity and integrity of the selection process.
