By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
The Secretary of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, who also serves as General Secretary of the four ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode that produce the Awujale of Ijebuland, has reaffirmed the family’s position as it relates to the Olori-Ebi, Prince Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, stressing that his leadership is fully backed by historical records and legal pronouncements.
Prince Adeleke declared that the family remains in harmony and resolute and will not be distracted, noting that Olori-Ebi Otunba Ajidagba is backed by valid records.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at his Onirungba office in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, Adeleke maintained that Otunba Ajidagba remains the Olori-Ebi (head) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
“I have said this repeatedly, our family has the backing of history and facts preserved by our forefathers at Ilenla Compound, Agunsebi. These facts are indisputable,” he stated.
He emphasized that the family’s position is supported by archival records, official certifications, and court rulings, all of which, under Ajidagba’s leadership, aim to preserve the family’s heritage and ensure clarity in succession matters for future generations.
According to him, these documents have been carefully preserved in the family archives and are now being shared publicly to dispel doubts and strengthen unity within the ruling house. Among the notable documents Adeleke listed are: (1). Affirmation certificate issued by the Ijebu-Ode Local Government. (2). Court judgment delivered by Justice A.O. Asenuga of the Ijebu-Ode High Court, ruling in favor of the 2nd to 5th claimants and against the selection of Otunba Lateef Owoyemi as Olori-Ebi due to questions over his lineage. (3). Membership card indicating Ilenla Compound, Agunsebi, as the root of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. (4). Appreciation letter from former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (2018), to the late Prince Adebisi Adeyemi, a former Olori-Ebi. (5). Correspondence from the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba S.K. Adetona, to the late Prince Adebisi Adeyemi on important family assignments. (6). Letters of solidarity from the other three ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode for annual family prayers and gatherings. (7). Official appointment letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (November 22, 2023) recognizing Prince Ajidagba as Olori-Ebi. (8). Notice of appointment of Prince Ajidagba as Olori-Ebi sent to the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government. (9). Notice of appointment of Prince Ajidagba as Olori-Ebi sent to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. (10). Family registration certificate issued by the local government in April 2022.
Prince Adeleke noted further that the family records establish a strong historical and legal foundation for the Ajidagba-led leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
He added that the harmony of judicial pronouncements, royal recognition, and government certification ensures that the leadership of Prince Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba is both legitimate and enduring.
“Our father and leader, Prince Ajidagba, represents not just the present leadership of the Fusengbuwa family, but a secured legacy for generations to come,” he asserted.
But court documents sighted by The Daily Crucible revealed that an appeal court judgment dated November 28, 2024 from the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Judicial Division, had already set aside the judgment of Honourable Justice A. O. Asenuga in suit number HCT/18/2014 and decided on March 8, 2018. The Appeal Court judgment took further steps concerning all issues(1-7, especially the Court judgment delivered by Justice A.O. Asenuga of the Ijebu-Ode High Court against the selection of Otunba Lateef Owoyemi as Olori-Ebi due to questions over his lineage) were all resolved in favour of Otunba Owoyemi and other appellants.
The Appeal marked CA/IB/334/2018 between Otunba Abdul – Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi(Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland and Head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu – Ode), Otunba Yisau Oladokun Ajidagba, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi – the three designated as appellants for themselves and on behalf of Fusengbuwa Ruling House) and Alhaji A. O. Sote (Respondent) was treated by three Appeal Court Justices – Yargata Byenchit Nimpar, Binta Fatima Zubairu and Uwabunkeonye Onwosi.
In the appeal court verdict delivered by Justice Binta Fatima Zubairu, the Appellate Court held that “… DW1 equally asserted that the 1st Appellant is disqualified from holding the office and or title of Olori – Ebi… as the Appellant’s father was an Osaforiji and it is a taboo to allow any of the Appellants to participate in appointing an Ewulaje. This remains a mere assertion without more as it has been shown that he initially participated in the meeting appointing the 1st Appellant which he claimed the stamp on the said document was fraud without proving same. I therefore resolve issues 1,2,3,4,5, and 6 in favour of the Appellants.”
Concluding on issue 7, the Appeal Court Justice held that “the failure of the learned trial judge to consider the appellants’ reply certainly breached the Appellants’ right to fair hearing as their own side of the story has not been heard. They were obviously shut out from responding to the new issues raised, thereby occasioning a miscarriage of justice.
”Therefore, issue seven is hereby resolved in favour of the Appellants. On the whole, this appeal has merit and it is accordingly allowed. The judgment of Honourable Justice A. O. Asenuga in suit number HCT/18/2014 delivered on March 8, 2018 is hereby set aside. Parties are to bear their own costs.”
Buttressing this on Saturday while briefing reporters at Afin Otunba Jadiara Palace Idowa, his country home, Otunba Owoyemi said that the Ijebu Ode court judgment which Prince Ajidagba keeps relying on had been set aside by the Appeal Court sitting in Ibadan division.
He explained that Ajidagba was appointed as an Olori – Ebi in acting capacity while they waited for the determination of the Appeal filed in Ibadan against the judgment of Justice A. O. Asenuga.
The ex – President of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) stressed that the matter having been resolved in his favour since November 2024 and the lower court judgment also set aside, Ajidagba’s continued claim to being an Olori – Ebi is no longer valid.
