Prof. Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, a renowned legal scholar, academic, community leader, and Deputy Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, has expressed serious concerns over what he described as discriminatory practices in the ongoing compilation of candidates for the Awujale of Ijebuland succession.

Speaking with journalists at his residence in Ijebu-Ode, Prof. Yusuf voiced deep dissatisfaction with the manner in which the list of eligible princes and princesses is being compiled.

According to him, the apparent preferential highlighting of certain names in the process is troubling and runs contrary to established principles of fairness, neutrality, and justice.

Prof. Yusuf noted that the situation is particularly worrisome in light of the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law signed into law in 2022. He explained that the law guarantees equal opportunity for all qualified princes and princesses from recognized ruling houses to participate in the succession process without discrimination, bias, or favouritism.

“As a legal practitioner and stakeholder in the traditional institution of Ijebuland, I find it necessary to speak out,” he stated. “The 2022 Obas Law was enacted to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency in traditional succession matters. Any process that excludes eligible candidates undermines both the spirit and the letter of the law.”

The respected professor emphasized that the Awujale stool is a revered institution with deep historical and cultural significance and that its succession process must therefore reflect justice, equity, and strict adherence to due process.

Speaking in his capacity as a major stakeholder, Prof. Yusuf expressed concern that meaningful corrections may not be achievable unless relevant authorities—including traditional councils and government institutions responsible for chieftaincy affairs—order a fresh compilation exercise and ensure strict compliance with the law.

He urged the Afobaje and other decision-making bodies to uphold fairness and ensure that no eligible prince or princess is unjustly sidelined.

Prof. Yusuf further appealed to all stakeholders to place the unity, heritage, and long-term stability of Ijebuland above personal or sectional interests, stressing that transparency and fairness remain the strongest foundations for a credible and widely accepted Awujale succession process.