Ijebu chief warns kingmakers against moneybags’ influence in Awujale selection

File photo of the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

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The Baamofin of Ijebuland, AbdulWasiu Oduwole, has urged kingmakers to remain neutral in the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

This is as he cautioned the kingmakers to refrain from any form of corruption and not allow moneybags to hijack the selection process.

The Awujale throne became vacant on July 13 following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

While expressing confidence in the credibility of the kingmakers, Oduwole, in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Thursday, urged them to allow only the best interest of Ijebuland to guide their decision.

He said, “The kingmakers must avoid corruption, as the immediate past Awujale also warned. No moneybag should be allowed to hijack the process. Their responsibility is sacred, and they must act in the best interest of Ijebuland. They must allow the process to run naturally and with integrity.”

He added, “The kingmakers are credible individuals and people of integrity. Are we not talking about respected figures like Chief Sonny Kuku and others? These are men of unquestionable character who would not compromise their integrity under any circumstances. They will follow due process, nothing more.”

Oduwole, who is a legal practitioner, also enjoined the state government to allow the process to run its due course without interest and influence.

“To the state government, I urge neutrality. They should not influence the Kingmakers or use political power to interfere. To the contestants, I wish them all well,” Oduwole said.

He commended the Fusengbuwa Ruling House for, thus far, conducting themselves with dignity and respect for due process, urging sustenance.

“We thank God for the arrival of the Staff of Office of the Awujale, which has now been formally presented to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. This marks the official commencement of the selection process. Traditionally, it is their turn to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland, and now that the authority has been handed over to the ruling house, it is for the family, working alongside the kingmakers, to do the needful and present a king.

“Their leadership, especially the chairman, deserves commendation. They should continue to maintain decorum and cooperate with the Kingmakers, especially those appointed by the state government. Ijebuland needs strong, capable leadership. When a powerful person ascends the throne, the stool becomes stronger. Therefore, the Fusengbuwa family should proceed and present a worthy candidate,” he said.

He restated the provisions of the Chiefs Law of 1957, governing the ascension to the Awujale throne, which affirms rotation among the four ruling houses.

The declaration established the four ruling houses entitled to produce the Awujale as Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is billed to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

He stressed that both male and female lines are recognised, and legitimacy within the ruling house, not gender, is the key criterion.

He said, “The law also recognises both male and female lines, and it accounts for children born before or during their father’s reign.

“The law is flexible. If a candidate cannot be found from the male line, the female line may be considered. The door is not closed to women; a male child from the female line is also qualified. The determining factor is legitimacy within the ruling house, not solely gender. The rotational structure for the Awujale stool was concluded as far back as 1957.

“There is a declaration that clearly outlines the rotation among ruling houses and the procedures for selecting a new Awujale. Everything must be done strictly in line with the law, the declaration, and the established customs relating to the ascension of an Awujale.”

He emphasised the need for all stakeholders in the selection process to strictly comply with due process.

Oduwole said, “Everyone must comply, nothing more. I believe the family and the kingmakers will abide by these provisions. The government has no direct role in this stage; it is solely the responsibility of the family and the kingmakers to produce a candidate, who will then be presented for government approval.”

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