Another Olori Ebi has emerged from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, adding a fresh development to the ongoing leadership and selection issues surrounding the prominent family.

Otunba Otukayode Hakeem Otufale has emerged as the new Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with his certificate of office formally presented to him at Ule Nla Agunsebi Hall, Ijebu-Ode.

The development came as the Fusengbuwa/Jadiara Ruling House demanded a fresh selection process for the vacant Awujale stool, insisting that the exercise must be transparent, follow established procedures and provide all qualified members with a fair opportunity to participate.

The demand was made during a meeting of the ruling house held at Ule Nla Agunsebi Hall, Ijebu-Ode, on Sunday, where Otufale was also elected as the new Olori Ebi.

The ruling house said its call for a fresh process followed concerns over the handling of the previous exercise, including alleged procedural infractions, inadequate consultation and other issues which, according to members, had undermined confidence in the process.

The meeting, attended by elders, princes and heads of various family units, also resolved to reposition the ruling house, restore unity and ensure that its role in the selection of the next Awujale is properly recognised.

Speaking on behalf of the Tunwase Ruling House, Otunba Kehinde Alebiosun said the family decided to regroup following what he described as an embarrassing situation arising from the manner in which former leaders handled the selection process.

Alebiosun alleged that serious traditional procedures were breached and that members of the ruling house were not adequately consulted.

“It is unfortunate that the people who handled the situation surrounding the selection of the Awujale failed to follow the necessary procedures. But thank God for the opportunity to right the wrong,” he said.

He said the fresh initiative was aimed at restoring unity and ensuring that the ruling house properly participates in the selection of the next Awujale.

Representatives of the various family units subsequently presented a certificate to Otufale, formally recognising him as the new Olori Ebi.

In his acceptance speech, Otufale pledged to promote unity, transparency and accountability within the ruling house. He also raised questions about the conduct of the previous committee that handled the selection process.

Otufale alleged that the committee failed to operate as a team and did not render an account of funds allegedly collected from aspirants.

According to him, the chairmen involved in the process had been informed by the government that money should not be the basis for selecting a candidate for the Awujale stool and that any funds collected from aspirants should be refunded.

“Awujale Ijebu-Ode stool isn’t for sale,” he said.

“It is sad to note that, as we are gathered here today, no refunds have been made and no statement of account has been rendered to the family to confirm how much was collected, into which account the money was paid and how any refunds were made.”

Otufale called for documentary evidence from anyone claiming that the funds had been refunded, saying such evidence should be presented to the appropriate authorities for verification and, where necessary, recovery.

He also alleged that some aspirants were excluded from meetings, contrary to established practice, and questioned the submission of 86 names to the kingmakers without what he described as proper screening.

According to him, the development raised questions about whether those entrusted with the process had fully discharged their responsibilities.

Otufale further questioned reports that two former chairmen associated with the process had acquired new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, calling for the circumstances surrounding the acquisitions to be established.

He said the former chairmen had lost the confidence of the ruling house and should no longer be entrusted with responsibilities relating to the selection process.

On legal proceedings reportedly instituted by some former leaders in connection with the Awujale selection process, Otufale said the ruling house was neither aware of nor party to any such action against the state government.

He said the new leadership would communicate the position of the ruling house to the court and clarify that the individuals concerned were not authorised to act on its behalf.

Dissociating the Fusengbuwa Ruling House from any legal action against the government, Otufale said the family was interested in working with the government to restart the selection process.

“We are not willing or interested in taking the government to court. The government has been able to stop the stool from being stolen, and when the restart button is pressed, we shall do a better job in conducting the selection process than the mess created by the trio,” he said.

Otufale said his emergence as Olori Ebi followed the laid-down procedures of the ruling house, adding that an acting chairman had also been appointed.

He said letters had been sent to the government and the kingmakers informing them of the new developments.

Otufale pledged to ensure fairness for all qualified members of the ruling house, stressing that the selection process must be conducted from the family house and in accordance with established procedures.