AWUJALE: ROYAL HOUSEHOLD DEMANDS FORMAL RECOGNITION OF ANCESTRAL LINEAGE RIGHTS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Bubiade Royal Family of Ijebu-Ode has called for fairness and recognition of its traditional rights in the ongoing selection of the new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The family argued that their lineage deserves a rightful chance to produce the next monarch.
At a briefing in Ijebu-Ode, the Olori-Ebi of the Bubiade Royal Family, Alhaji Olaide Yusuf Busura, said the appeal seeks to address what he described as “a long-standing historical imbalance within the Awujale royal lineage.”
Busura explained that the Bubiade lineage descends directly from Oba Jadiara, a former Awujale, noting that Bubiade was Jadiara’s first child. He added that another child, Funsegbuwa, later produced Tunwase, whose descendants have historically supplied several Awujales.
“Records indicate that the throne within the Jadiara family has consistently rotated between the descendants of Funsegbuwa and Tunwase, leaving the Bubiade branch without the opportunity to ascend,” Busura said. He listed previous monarchs from these branches, including Oba Funsegbuwa, Adesimbo Tunwase, Adekoya Eleruja, and Adenuga Folagbade, who became Awujale in 1925.
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“While Funsegbuwa and Tunwase descendants have repeatedly occupied the throne over the years, the Bubiade branch has never had the opportunity, despite being direct descendants of Jadiara,” he added.
Busura noted that the current selection presents a chance to correct this historical disparity. Eight eligible princes have emerged from the Bubiade lineage, compared with about 75 candidates from other branches.
“This shows the core issue: a lineage that has never been given a chance now faces competition from lineages that have repeatedly had opportunities over centuries,” he said.
The family also raised legal concerns, citing the Ogun State Chiefs Law 2021, and warned that excluding Bubiade descendants would violate Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on birth circumstances.
Busura emphasised that in Yoruba tradition, kingship is not automatic inheritance but a customary selection among eligible princes from recognised royal houses.
The Bubiade Royal Family appealed to the regent of Ijebu-Ode, Dr. Sunny Kuku, the kingmakers, traditional rulers, and Ijebu-Ode Local Government authorities to ensure fairness in the selection process.
“This is not breaking from tradition but restoring fairness within it,” Busura said, urging all Ijebu sons and daughters to uphold justice, unity, and respect for lineage to maintain peace in the kingdom.
The Ogun State government had, for the second time, paused the selection in January following petitions from security agencies and stakeholders.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at 91, who reigned for 65 years. During the nomination meeting at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, 95 aspirants — 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House — were identified.
The head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Abdulateef Owoyemi, urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to complete the process, noting the frustration of the royal family and Ijebu people both locally and in the diaspora. He praised the governor’s support so far but warned that distractions should not delay the Awujale selection.
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