By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland has confirmed former President of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Otunba Abdul – Lateef Owoyemi, as the Olori – Ebi of the house.
Fusengbuwa is the ruling house expected to nominate candidates where a successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors July 13, 2025 at age 91, will be selected by the kingmakers.
Owoyemi is an indigene of Idowa – Ijebu and a tested hand in the populous Fusengbuwa ruling family. He is also the Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland, a chieftaincy title conferred on him about 20 years ago by the late Oba Adetona.
The accounting guru was confirmed as Olori – Ebi at the enlarged meeting of the ruling house at the Oba Adesunbo Tunwase Memorial Museum Agunsebi, Ijebu – Ode after the current Olori – Ebi, Otunba Adekunle Olubola Hassan, voluntarily resigned from the position.
In his resignation letter read during the meeting, that had in attendance,
Oba J. A. Osunsami, the Aladeken of Oke Ako, Otunba Hassan cited unfolding developments due to the passing of Oba Adetona as the reason for stepping down for Owoyemi.
Hassan said: ”With the current developments and the dynamics that have changed with the passing of Awujale Adetona, I have decided to resign as the Olori Ebi, and I hereby resign as the Olori Ebi. I am sure Chief Professor Fassy Yusuf, who has been acting in my absence as the Deputy Olori Ebi can carry on as the new deputy Olori Ebi.”
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his confirmation, Otunba Owoyemi pledged to lead with the wisdom of King Solomon, unite the royal family and transform it into a formidable royal institution in Ijebuland.
He said, “I have been a very senior member of Fusengbuwa ruling house for over 44 years, I am conversant with the challenges and with God and the people on my side, the challenges are not insurmountable.
“Every member of the ruling house is a member of royalty and so either you are a woman or a man, big man or small man, you will be heard and listened to..I will lead right and guide with the wisdom of Solomon and I pray that the Almighty God will lead me aright.
“By the grace of God we are going to be fair and transparent and give every privileged and qualified candidates for the selection of the new Awujale. I also give my word that we are going to produce Awujale that will create history in the history of Yoruba land.”
