The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode has scheduled Monday, January 12, 2026, to begin selecting a successor to the vacant throne of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
The announcement follows official clearance from the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, transmitted through the Executive Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Honourable Dare Alebiosu.
The state government had suspended the initial selection process approximately three weeks ago after identifying a procedural error that could have triggered legal challenges. The suspension was communicated during a meeting in Abeokuta involving state officials, the ruling house, and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee.
The prestigious stool became vacant in July following the passing of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.
In a letter dated January 6 and signed by Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretary Oke Adebanjo, the local government authorized the Fusengbuwa ruling house to proceed with the selection process.
“Following clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, I am directed to convey the approval of the Executive Chairman for the commencement of the process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland,” the statement read in part.
“The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is hereby authorized to begin its internal selection process in accordance with the Customary Laws of Ijebuland and the Chieftaincy Regulations of Ogun State.”
The ruling house has been directed to formally notify the local government of the nomination exercise details within 14 days of receiving the notification. Local government representatives will attend as observers.
In a separate statement released Wednesday, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, chairman of the ruling house, confirmed that the nomination meeting will take place at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, at 12 noon on Monday, January 12.
“We wish to thank you for your letter dated 6th January 2026, and confirm that our Ruling House Family Nomination Meeting for the vacant position of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland has, by the Grace of Almighty God, been fixed to take place on Monday, 12th of January 2026,” Owoyemi stated.
The succession race has attracted significant attention, with reports indicating over 60 contestants vying for the throne. Among the notable aspirants is renowned Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, who has publicly declared his interest in the position.
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