The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has appointed Otukayode Hakeem-Otufale as its new Olori Ebi (family head), with the family calling for a fresh process to select the next Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
Otufale was unveiled at a meeting attended by elders, princes and representatives of various family units, who said the change in leadership was necessary following concerns over the handling of the previous selection exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the ruling house, Otunba Kehinde Alebiosun said the family had regrouped to address what he described as alleged procedural infractions, inadequate consultation and other issues that had undermined confidence in the process.
“It is unfortunate that the people who handled the situation surrounding the selection of the Awujale failed to follow the necessary procedures. But thank God for the opportunity to right the wrong,” he said.
Representatives of the family units subsequently presented a certificate to Otufale, formally recognising him as the new Olori Ebi.
In his acceptance speech, Otufale pledged to ensure unity, transparency and fairness in the selection of the next Awujale.
He also raised allegations against the previous selection committee, including claims that funds were collected from aspirants without proper accounting or refunds.
“Awujale Ijebu Ode stool isn’t for sale,” he said.
“It is sad to note that, as we are gathered here today, no refunds have been made and no statement of account has been rendered to the family to confirm how much was collected, into which account the money was paid and how any refunds were made.”
Otufale also alleged that some aspirants were excluded from meetings and questioned the submission of 86 names to the kingmakers without what he described as proper screening.
He further called for clarification over reports that two former chairmen associated with the process had acquired new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles.
On reported legal proceedings involving some former leaders and the state government, Otufale said the ruling house was not aware of or party to any such action.
Dissociating the family from any legal action against the government, he said the ruling house was ready to work with the authorities to restart the selection process.
“We are not willing or interested in taking the government to court. The government has been able to stop the stool from being stolen, and when the restart button is pressed, we shall do a better job in conducting the selection process than the mess created by the trio,” he said.
Otufale said his emergence followed the laid-down procedures of the ruling house, adding that an acting chairman had also been appointed. He said letters had been sent to the government and the kingmakers informing them of the development.
“I will be fair to everyone. I will try my best. I will not leave the family house, where the staff of office and the letter were brought, to go and hold meetings somewhere else. It will be against my principle,” he said.
Another member of the ruling house, Omooba Abiodun Ogidan, also called for a fresh selection process, alleging that the previous exercise had been compromised.
Ogidan dismissed suggestions of a faction within the ruling house, saying the family remained united.
“We do not have factions. This is the family house. It is the address the government has, and anybody who is a member of the family knows that this is where we meet,” he said.
The ruling house said the fresh process should be conducted transparently, with all qualified members given equal consideration and established procedures strictly followed.
The Awujale is the traditional ruler of Ijebuland. The stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, in July 2025 after 65 years on the throne.
The succession rotates among four ruling houses: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is next in line to produce the monarch, but the selection process has stalled amid disputes within the family and legal challenges.
The Ogun State Government subsequently halted the process, while members of the ruling house have called for a fresh exercise.
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