The head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, has refuted claims that a screening committee has been established for selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
Owoyemi, a former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, made this statement on Friday during a visit from the Tunwase family, led by Mr. R.O. Shonibare, at his residence in Idowa, Odogbolu Local Government, Ogun State.
The Fusengbuwa ruling house is set to produce the next Awujale following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who ruled for 65 years before his death on July 13 at the age of 91.
Owoyemi clarified that while consultations are ongoing, no official framework has been established. He stated, “We are yet to design screening forms, agree on fees, or decide on the number of aspirants each family should present. Nothing has been concluded. People may claim to be setting up committees elsewhere, but Fusengbuwa ruling house has not.”
The respected community leader emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in the succession process, warning against commercializing the throne. He cautioned, “We must ensure only the best candidate emerges in a transparent and acceptable way. The throne will not be sold. Excessive financial demands could corrupt the process, just as in politics.”
Owoyemi also called on the Ogun State Government and the kingmakers to collaborate closely with the ruling house to uphold unity and progress in Ijebu.
Earlier, Shonibare expressed the loyalty of the Tunwase family to Owoyemi’s leadership, assuring him of their support in the succession process.
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