Following reports circulating on social media that the Ogun State Government is attempting to impose a preferred candidate for the Awujale of Ijebuland, the Fusengbuwa Royal Family has distanced itself from the claims.
In an interview with Adamimogo 93.1 FM, the Deputy Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Professor Fassy Yusuf, said the government is constitutionally empowered only to ratify the selection of the final nominee, not to appoint a candidate.
He said, contrary to allegations of government interference, the next Awujale of Ijebuland would be chosen through a simple majority vote by the Kingmakers, describing the process as a long-standing tradition that cannot be tampered with.
Recall that a peaceful protest broke out on Friday, January 23, in Ijebu Ode over alleged plans by the government to impose the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Meanwhile, popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde had earlier declared interest in contesting the stool under the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. However, the royal family says he is not a bona fide member of the family and therefore cannot represent the house.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is next in line to produce the successor to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died on July 13 after reigning for 65 years.
