A keen contest has emerged over the revered Awujale of Ijebuland stool, with dozens of royal contenders stepping forward as the succession process formally begins.
No fewer than 95 princes and princesses from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ogun State have formally declared interest in becoming the next Awujale, signalling one of the most competitive selection exercises in recent times.
The figure was disclosed at the opening of a nomination meeting held at the Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, where family leaders gathered to outline the roadmap for the emergence of the new monarch.
Speaking at the meeting, the Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, said the process would be strictly guided by tradition and due procedure.
He explained that only candidates who successfully scale the initial screening would proceed to the next stage.
“From the list before us, those who meet the requirements will be forwarded to the Afobajes, who will in turn select one name for onward transmission to the Ogun State Government,” Owoyemi said.
Moreover, he stressed that the process remains open to scrutiny, urging dissatisfied aspirants to seek redress through appropriate channels rather than disrupt the exercise.
“Anyone with concerns should direct them to the government. Transparency is central to what we are doing,” he added.
Meanwhile, other prominent members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House were present to witness the commencement of the exercise, including the Deputy Olori Ebi, Otunba Ajidagba, and the chairman of the ruling house, Chief Fassy Yusuf.
The unfolding succession race is expected to draw close attention across Ijebuland, given the cultural significance of the Awujale stool and its influence within Ogun State and beyond.