The head of Keregbetu in Ijebuland, Prince Joseph Adegboyega Hanifata Olowu, has publicly praised the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House for overseeing a remarkably peaceful nomination process for the vacant Awujale stool. The process saw a staggering 95 contestants put forward without any recorded disputes.
Commendation for Integrity and Unity
Prince Olowu specifically commended the three heads of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House: Otunba Owoyemi, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and Chief Fassy Yusuf. He stated that their successful management of the nomination had demonstrated to the world that they are men of integrity working assiduously in unison. He likened the smooth process to the morning showing the day, indicating that it sets a positive precedent for the entire selection.
According to Olowu, this credible and rancour-free nomination is a strong foundation that will likely lead to the eventual emergence of a widely accepted candidate for the highly respected Awujale throne. He further lauded the general members of the ruling house for being law-abiding, expressing confidence that the final choice of a new Awujale will be accepted by the entire family.
A Call for Political Neutrality
However, Prince Olowu issued a pointed advisory to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun. He urged the governor to remain completely neutral in the matter and allow the family heads and traditional kingmakers to follow the necessary customary steps without political interference.
He emphasized the unique and exposed nature of the Ijebu people, warning that the vacant stool of the Awujale should not be politicised. Olowu stressed that the role played by every individual in this historic selection process would be remembered by posterity.
The Path Forward for Ijebuland
The event, which took place in January 2026, marks a critical early phase in filling one of the most prominent traditional stools in Yorubaland. The peaceful nomination of 95 contestants from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is seen as a major achievement, setting a tone of order and tradition for the subsequent stages of selection.
The focus now shifts to the kingmakers and the imperative to preserve the sanctity of the process. The call for gubernatorial neutrality underscores the delicate balance between modern governance and deep-rooted traditional institutions in Nigeria.
