The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, the lineage designated to produce the next Awujale, gathered on Sunday at *Ile-Nla* in the Agusenbi royal house to honour their ancestors and formally welcome new members into the family.
The gathering, which came in the wake of the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona of the Ogbagba Anikilaya Ruling House, featured the traditional rite of *ikaro*, through which newcomers were received by the Olori-Ebi, Prince Adedokun Oreagba, and other elders.
Dignitaries at the event included Alhaji Prince Fathai Arolowo, Chairman of Aron Construction Limited; HRH Oba Tajudeen Bello, the Enisemu Leguru of Ijebuland and Olowa of Ijebu-Ode; and Chief Razaq Adeleye Osimodi, the Abore of Awujale. Also in attendance were Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, General Secretary of the four ruling houses; Prince Folu Ogidan Aderibigbe; Prince Olaseni Samsideen Ottun; Omo-Oba Toibu Mabaweje; and representatives of other ruling houses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Ajidagba, the Olori-Ebi, underscored the importance of unity and ancestral prayers as the Fusengbuwa family prepares for its role in the succession process.
“Our *Ile-Nla Agusenbi* has produced 25 Awujales in the past. We are offering prayers to remember them and seek their guidance in choosing the next monarch. We mourn the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, but once the mourning period is over, we will embark fully on the process of succession,” he said.
Ajidagba disclosed that over 200 princes and princesses attended with their *ikaros*, reaffirming loyalty to the family. He also stated that his emergence as Olori-Ebi had been duly affirmed by the late Awujale.
“The late Awujale distorted some traditions of Ijebu-Ode, but we are restoring them to the right path. Mechanisms will be put in place to ensure a fair and transparent selection process under my watch,” he declared.
Otunba Arolowo pledged his support, noting that Fusengbuwa remains united, while Prince Aderibigbe described the gathering as an “awakening session” to honour the ancestors. He stressed that the family seeks to present an intellectual and well-connected candidate for the throne.
Prince Ottun also assured that the ruling house is well-coordinated and prayed for wisdom and strength for the elders as they prepare for the crucial task of succession.
