* …calls for Ifa Oracle to Guide Selection

As the process to select the next Awujale of Ijebuland gathers momentum, a curator and former legislator, Professor Bankole Okuwa, has urged the Ogun State Government to prevent undue external influence and ensure that only candidates from the authorised royal lineage are considered.

Okuwa, a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly during the administration of Chief Bisi Onabanjo, made the appeal on Thursday during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Ijebu-Ode.

The academic, who relocated to the United States for his teaching career and served with the U.S. Department of Defense at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before retiring in 2011, now serves as Curator of the Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Museum in Ijebu-Ode.

He described it as an “insult” for anyone to attempt to buy his way onto the revered stool of the Awujale.

Okuwa cautioned kingmakers against compromising the integrity of the selection process, insisting that the Ifa oracle should guide the choice of the rightful candidate.

According to him, some individuals who have long been absent from family affairs are suddenly identifying themselves as members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house following the passing of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

He emphasised that the Fusengbuwa ruling house must present a candidate chosen through the Ifa oracle, saying the sacred throne demands adherence to tradition, transparency and integrity.

“I know the Fusengbuwa family very well meetings used to hold at Agbusebi Quarters and I expect them to present the best candidate. I have noticed that some people who have not attended meetings for years have suddenly appeared. Nevertheless, the family must do what is right for the community.”

Okuwa stressed that the Awujale stool has historically produced men of strong character and maintained confidence that the Fusengbuwa lineage would uphold that legacy.

He warned against any attempt by outsiders to influence the selection, noting rumours that political actors may try to impose a candidate.

“Our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is a competent man. I believe he will act in the best interest of the Ijebu people. But anyone seeking the throne must first present himself properly to his family. No one can impose himself on us.”

Okuwa condemned reports of financial inducements and gift distribution allegedly aimed at swaying decision-makers, calling such practices 'unacceptable.'

“The Awujale stool cannot be bought. It would be an insult to all Ijebus. Those working elsewhere should return home and present themselves formally instead of using political connections from outside.”

Speaking on the importance of tradition, Okuwa referenced the selection of the current Ooni of Ife, noting that the process was guided by the Ifa oracle. He urged that the same standard be maintained in Ijebuland.

“We still rely on the Ifa oracle as a guiding tradition. It has helped our people for centuries. The family should consult the oracle to narrow the field before presenting candidates to the Afobajes.”

On the question of age, Okuwa recommended a range of 45 to 60 years for prospective candidates, noting that Oba Adetona himself ascended the throne at age 26 without difficulty.

“With as many as 48 people reported to have collected forms, the question is how to identify the best among them. Age between 45 and 60 is ideal. Beyond 60 raises other considerations.”

He appealed to all stakeholders, families, kingmakers and government to protect the sanctity of the selection process.