The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland has announced the formation of a screening committee to evaluate aspirants for the throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
This follows the Ogun State Government’s recent inauguration of an 11-member administrative council to oversee the affairs of Ijebu-Ode until a new Awujale is installed.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Ile-Nla compound in Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief Adedokun Ajidagba, described the development as historic.
“I am a child of history, and when I speak, I speak with authority. At 81, I remain firmly grounded in the history and records of our family. That is what we stand for,” Ajidagba said.
He recalled that in 1983, the Fusengbuwa family presented candidates to the then Ogun State Government under Chief Bisi Onabanjo, with the names publicly published in the Sketch newspaper. He noted that history was repeating itself with the house once again producing aspirants for the Awujale stool.
Ajidagba also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government for setting up the interim administrative team for Ijebu-Ode. He emphasized that the newly constituted screening committee would play a crucial role in presenting qualified candidates.
“We do not need to wait until the Afobajes summon us before preparing our candidate. The Ogun State Government, under Prince Dapo Abiodun, has already set up an administrative committee headed by Dr. Sonny Kuku.
“In line with this, we have established our screening committee to ensure that only credible princes are presented. The stool of the Awujale is not just any position; it is paramount, and the whole world is watching,” he said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Taheeb Mabadeje Alaga, head of the Anikilaya Ruling House, commended Chief Ajidagba’s leadership, saying; “We cannot fold our arms and allow injustice to prevail. The remaining three ruling houses are fully behind this team.”
Similarly, Alhaji Adelagun Anibi, secretary of the Gbelegbuwa Ruling House, affirmed his house’s support for Ajidagba’s leadership.
In his remarks, Prince Tolu Ogidan stressed that not every prince is destined to be king. “Some are born to lead, while others are born to be crowned. Government cannot choose for us when the time comes. We are here to support our family and uphold history,” he said.
The press conference was modestly attended by members of the Fusengbuwa family as well as representatives of the Anikilaya and Gbelegbuwa ruling houses.
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