The Fusengbuwa ruling house has fixed January 12, 2026, to commence the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland following clearance from the Ogun State Government
The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode has fixed Monday, January 12, 2026, for the commencement of the selection process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, following official clearance from the Ogun State Government.
The approval was conveyed through the Ijebu Ode Local Government, after a letter of clearance was received from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, authorising the ruling house to proceed in line with established customs and regulations.
Recall that about three weeks ago, the Ogun State Government had advised the Fusengbuwa ruling house to suspend the earlier selection process, citing a procedural lapse that could potentially open the process to multiple litigations. The suspension was announced during a meeting between the state government, the ruling house, and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee held in Abeokuta.
The revered stool of the Awujale became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed on in July at the age of 91, after a historic 65-year reign.
Official Clearance Granted
In a letter dated January 6, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo, the local government confirmed that the ruling house had now received formal clearance to resume the process.
The letter stated that “Following clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, I am directed to convey the approval of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, for the commencement of the process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
“The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is hereby authorised to begin its internal selection process in accordance with the Customary Laws of Ijebuland and the Chieftaincy Regulations of Ogun State.”
The local government further directed the ruling house to formally notify it of the date, time, and venue of the nomination exercise, which must take place within 14 days, noting that government officials would attend strictly as observers.
The letter added that the approval was issued to ensure due process and was “without prejudice to the traditional rights and internal procedures of the Ruling House.”
Nomination Meeting Confirmed
In response, the Fusengbuwa ruling house confirmed that its family nomination meeting has been scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, by 12 noon.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, Chairman of the ruling house.
“We wish to thank you for your letter dated 6th January, 2026… and confirm that our Ruling House Family Nomination Meeting for the vacant position of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland has, by the grace of Almighty God, been fixed to take place on Monday, 12th of January, 2026,” the statement read.
The ruling house also formally invited officials of the local government to attend the meeting to observe and monitor the process in line with the law.
Intense Interest in the Throne
The race for the Awujale stool has continued to generate intense interest across Ijebuland and beyond, with reports indicating that over 60 aspirants have indicated interest in the revered throne.
Among those who have publicly declared interest is popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), whose involvement has further heightened public attention around the succession process.
As the nomination date draws closer, all eyes remain on the Fusengbuwa ruling house as it begins the critical process of producing the next Awujale of Ijebuland. Read More
