Tight security in Ijebu Ode as Fusengbuwa ruling house picks next Awujale

Security was tight on Monday at Bisirodipe Hall in GRA, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, as the Fusengbuwa ruling House began the nomination process to select the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Dozens of personnel from the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed within and around the hall ahead of the exercise, which was scheduled to start at 12:00 noon.

The venue was filled with members of the ruling house, led by its head, Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, along with delegates, observers, and local residents eager to witness the proceedings. Security officers faced challenges controlling individuals without proper entry clearance or a valid reason for being at the hall.

A group believed to be supporters of Fuji musician and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), also arrived at the gate but were denied access for not having the required pass.

Ayinde has recently raised concerns over alleged attempts by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to exclude him from the selection process.

In a petition to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the musician, who is said to belong to the Fidipote Ruling House, alleged that the family had taken steps contrary to the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State.

His allegations were captured in a letter dated January 8, 2026, issued by his counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN.

The claims followed an earlier suit filed at the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode, where Ayinde sought to halt the process.

The court declined to grant an interim injunction, and he later withdrew the case without explanation.

The nomination process is resuming after an earlier suspension, with the Fusengbuwa Ruling House directed by the Ijebu Ode Local Government—through a letter dated January 6, 2026—to conclude the exercise within 14 days.

Ayinde said he was taken aback when the family’s Public Relations Officer, Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, issued a notice directing aspirants to obtain nomination cards and appear before a screening committee, scheduling the exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026.

Scores of princes have indicated interest in succeeding the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away at 91 on July 13, 2025, after a 65-year reign.

The letter read, “It is a matter of deep concern to our client that all these directives, which contravene the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law, and the letter from the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, were included in the family’s letter dated January 6, 2026.

“It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool.

“We wish to emphasize that all members of the ruling house are entitled to attend the meeting to nominate candidates of their choice.

“A group of people in the ruling house cannot usurp these rights. The directive providing for screening and nomination by delegates is inconsistent with both the spirit and letter of the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

“In the interest of justice and compliance with due process, we urge timely intervention to address these concerns, ensuring the integrity of the process and protecting our client’s rights.”

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