The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has declared it remains united and is determined to produce the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, even as it accused unnamed persons of trying to frustrate its turn.
Rising from an enlarged meeting of princes and princesses on Saturday at Ile Nla (Agunsebi) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the house said it would pursue lawful means, including court action, to ensure the stalled selection process is concluded.
The meeting was co-chaired by Otunba Abdulateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Chairman/Head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House; Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, Deputy Chairman; and Professor Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Otunba Owoyemi, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, said the gathering was convened to update members on developments and explain steps being taken to protect the house’s interest.
“The meeting was called to update and brief members of Fusengbuwa Ruling House about the stalled selection process for the next Awujale and the steps we have taken to address the issue,” he said.
Owoyemi cited the large turnout of princes and princesses from Lagos and other locations as proof of unity.
“The large attendance is an attestation of unity. The house is united. Princes and princesses came from Lagos and other places. They supported our decision and they have confidence in our leadership and the things we are doing.”
The leadership briefed members on the rationale behind a suit instituted against Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, nine Ijebu-Ode kingmakers and five other defendants.
According to the house, the suit seeks an order compelling the defendants to conclude the selection process for the next Awujale.
Owoyemi alleged that some individuals were deliberately working to derail the Fusengbuwa Ruling House so as to later question its eligibility to produce the monarch.
“Our enemies are those who want to spoil things so that they will come back to say our ruling house cannot produce the next Awujale again,” he alleged.
The meeting considered the legal steps and endorsed all decisions previously taken by the leadership. Members also reaffirmed confidence in the leadership to steer the house through the process.
The Fusengbuwa leaders urged members to remain calm, focused and united as the legal process runs its course, stressing commitment to pursuing the matter through lawful channels.
With the meeting ending on a note of solidarity, the ruling house said it was ready to exercise what it described as its “legitimate opportunity” in the succession to the Awujale throne.
