New Awujale to emerge in one month, says Owoyemi

…as 95 candidates from Fusengbuwa Ruling House declare interest

From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

The Head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House and Otunba Jadiara of Ijebu Ode, Lateef Owoyemi, has disclosed that the new Awujale of Ijebuland will emerge in the next one month.

Owoyemi, the former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountant (ICAN) who gave this disclosure on Monday, at the commencement of the Nomination Meeting held at Bisi Rodipe Hall, Ijebu Ode, said that no fewer than 95 princes and princesses from the Ruling House have indicated interest on the throne of the Awujale.

Addressing the candidates jostling for the royal stool, Owoyemi, declared that after the nomination meeting, names of those who scaled the first hurdle would be forwarded to the kingmakers.

He added that after due process and selection of the new Awujale, candidates who are not satisfied should channel their grievances to the state government, assuring that the kingmakers would not make any mistakes in the selection process.

He further stated that after the nomination and submission of names, kingmakers would sift for the best candidate and forward his name to the Ogun State government for approval.

“The Afobajes would pick one of the candidates as the next Awujale and forward his name to the Ogun State Government. Within a month, Ijebuland would have a new king sit on the stool of Awujale.

“We have 19 days for anyone aggrieved to express their displeasure. We have 95 princes and princesses who expressed interest in the throne; and we have successfully, peacefully, and harmoniously nominated 95 candidates today. Now it’s in the hands of the kingmakers to do their work and select one of them for us.

“We in the Fusengbuwa Ruling House have done a lot of traditional research through the oracles to guide us on what’s going to happen, and we have no doubt at all that the kingmakers are going to select the person that the Almighty God himself has appointed, and our ancestors have also blessed,” he said.

Owoyemi emphasised that the nomination is a win-win for all the family, adding that those who may not be king would serve in the palace, assuring that there would be no litigation at all after the process.

He also expressed confidence that the state government would follow due process.

“For the government, we know they are going to do the right thing and support what the family supports. And God will guide them right and select the best person for us. And we know they will not make any mistakes,” he added.

Among the candidates nominated were Otunba Fatai Arowolo, the CEO of AARON Construction Company; Otunba Biodun Onanuga, husband of the immediate past deputy governor of Ogun State and Dr Kunle Hassan, the founder of Eye Foundation.

The nomination process was witnessed by observers, government representatives, security agents and others.