The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has appointed Otukayode Hakeem-Otufale as its new Olori Ebi (family head) and called for a transparent restart of the process to select the next Awujale, the paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
Otufale’s appointment was announced at a meeting attended by elders, princes, and representatives of various family branches. The change in leadership, they said, was prompted by concerns over procedural flaws and insufficient consultation during the previous selection exercise.
Speaking for the ruling house, Otunba Kehinde Alebiosun explained that the family had regrouped to address what he described as procedural lapses and actions that eroded confidence in the process. “It is unfortunate that those previously in charge failed to follow proper procedures. We are grateful for the chance to correct these mistakes,” he said.
After Otufale was formally presented with a certificate recognizing his new role, he pledged to promote unity, transparency, and fairness in the coming selection. He also raised allegations that the previous selection committee collected funds from aspirants without providing proper accounts or refunds.
The Awujale’s stool is not for sale,” he emphasized, lamenting the lack of transparency about the funds collected and the exclusion of some aspirants from meetings. Otufale also questioned how 86 names were submitted to the kingmakers without proper vetting, and he called for clarification about reports that two former chairmen acquired new Toyota Land Cruisers during the process.
Addressing reported legal proceedings involving some former leaders and the state government, Otufale stated that the ruling house was not party to any lawsuit and was ready to cooperate with authorities to restart the selection process.
We are not interested in taking the government to court. The government has protected the stool from being wrongly filled, and when the process restarts, we will ensure it is conducted properly, he said.
Otufale affirmed that his emergence followed due process and that an acting chairman had also been appointed. Letters have been sent to the government and kingmakers to inform them of these developments.
I will be fair to all. I will not abandon the family house, the rightful venue for our meetings and official business, he added.
Another family member, Omooba Abiodun Ogidan, echoed calls for a fresh, credible selection, insisting that the ruling house remains united. There are no factions. This is the recognized family house, and everyone knows this is where official meetings are held,” he said.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House emphasized that the new selection process must be transparent, inclusive, and adhere to established procedures.
The Awujale is the traditional ruler of Ijebuland. The throne became vacant in July 2025 following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, after 65 years of reign.
The succession rotates among four ruling houses: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is next in line, but the process stalled amid internal disputes and legal challenges. The Ogun State Government subsequently suspended the process, and the Fusengbuwa house has now demanded a fresh, transparent selection.
