IJEBU CHIEFTAIN WARNS KINGMAKERS AGAINST CORRUPTION IN SELECTION OF NEXT AWUJALE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Baamofin of Ijebuland, AbdulWasiu Oduwole, has urged kingmakers involved in the process of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland to remain neutral and resist any form of corruption as the succession process formally begins.

The Awujale stool became vacant on July 13 following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ruled for 65 years.

In a statement made available on Thursday, Oduwole cautioned kingmakers against allowing moneybags to influence the selection process, stressing that the responsibility before them is sacred.

“The kingmakers must avoid corruption, as the immediate past Awujale also warned. No moneybag should be allowed to hijack the process,” he said. “Their responsibility is sacred, and they must act in the best interest of Ijebuland.”

He expressed confidence in the integrity of the kingmakers, describing them as respected individuals, including Chief Sonny Kuku and others, who he said would not compromise due process.

Oduwole also called on the Ogun State Government to remain neutral and refrain from interfering with the process, urging contestants to maintain decorum.

He commended the Fusengbuwa Ruling House — whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale — for conducting themselves with dignity, following the formal handover of the Staff of Office, which signals the official commencement of the selection procedure.

According to him, the family must now work with the kingmakers to present “a strong and capable candidate” for the revered throne.

Reiterating the Chiefs Law of 1957, Oduwole noted that the ascension to the Awujale throne rotates among the four ruling houses: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote with the Fusengbuwa family next in line.

He further clarified that both male and female lines within the ruling house are eligible, adding that legitimacy, not gender, remains the key criterion under the law.

“Everything must be done strictly in line with the law, the declaration, and established customs,” he said, stressing that the government has no direct role at this stage beyond granting approval after the selection is concluded.

Oduwole urged all stakeholders to abide by due process to ensure a credible, transparent and lawful transition for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.