A contender for the Awujale stool from the Bubiade family of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Barrister Prince Adebowale Owolabi Olufeko, has called on the Ogun State Government, the Ijebu Traditional Council, the Afobajes, and all relevant stakeholders to strictly uphold tradition, transparency, justice, and due process in the ongoing Awujale succession process.

Prince Olufeko, a legal practitioner, Chartered Arbitrator, and Mediator, made the call while addressing journalists in Ijebu-Ode, alongside representatives of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. He stressed that the selection of the Awujale is a sacred and historic responsibility that must be guided by established customs, fairness, and respect for tradition.

“Indeed, we humbly appeal to the relevant authorities concerning the ongoing process for the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland. This revered throne represents not only leadership, but also the soul, heritage, and identity of the Ijebu people,” Olufeko said.

He noted that the people of Ijebuland are yearning for peace, unity, and continuity, and urged the government and traditional institutions to act justly and avoid any action capable of generating unnecessary tension or unrest.

According to him,

“Our objective is to examine the process, aggregate our views where necessary, and articulate our collective position with decorum, wisdom, and unity—always mindful of tradition, custom, the law, and respect for constituted authority.”

Prince Olufeko commended His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Governor of Ogun State, particularly for the transfer of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) to the Federal Government, as well as for the ongoing infrastructural development across the state, especially in Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

“We acknowledge and appreciate His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the steps taken so far in ensuring that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale of Ijebuland,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Kingmakers for their commitment to due process in the selection exercise.

Prince Olufeko stated that members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House collectively desire that the Kingmakers be allowed to present qualified princes—Omo Oye—to Ijebu-Ode and Ijebuland, noting that, in line with tradition, only one individual would ultimately emerge to ascend the Awujale stool.

He further appreciated the Olori-Ebi of the ruling houses, particularly the Head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi, as well as Otunba Okun Ajidagba and Chief Fassy Yusuf, for their guidance, sacrifices, and leadership. He described Alhaji Owoyemi’s role as fatherly and stabilising throughout the process.

Prince Olufeko also appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to give greater attention to the inclusion and development of Ijebuland, noting that sustained federal presence and intervention are urgently needed for the overall development of the area.