The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, next in line to produce the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, has declared its commitment to preserving the deeply rooted traditions of the Ijebu people as the succession process begins.
Speaking on Thursday during the traditional beating of the Gbedu drums in Ijebu-Ode, the head of the ruling house, Adedokun Ajidagba, emphasized the importance of upholding “Isese” (Ijebu tradition) in selecting the next monarch.
“To my family members, whoever is eventually selected as the next Awujale must not discard Isese, which we call tradition, because that is what will make the town develop,” Ajidagba stated.
He added that “The late Awujale said the candidate must be selected according to the wishes of Ifa. He said we should use the Ifa oracle to pick the candidate.”
The traditional Gbedu drum ceremony marks the official signal that the next Awujale should emerge from the Fusengbuwa lineage, following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The revered monarch, who reigned for 65 years, was buried according to Islamic rites, a move that has stirred debate among traditionalists.
Ajidagba warned against government interference and the imposition of wealthy or political figures in the process.
“We have written to the state government to steer clear of the process leading to the selection of the next Awujale. They should allow the natural process to run its course,” he said.
He also recalled the late Oba Adetona’s warning at the 2021 Ojude Oba Festival:
“The late Awujale warned that the next Awujale should not be a case of money bags, or a billionaire, or a politician.”
Ajidagba affirmed that the family was united and fully prepared to present a worthy candidate from its eight family units.
“We are beginning to see some intruders, but we won’t allow them. We won’t allow strangers to get to the throne,” he added.
He reiterated that of the four ruling houses in Ijebuland — Anikilaya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa — it is now the rightful turn of the Fusengbuwa House to produce the next Awujale.
“It is our tradition to beat the Gbedu drums immediately after the demise of an Awujale, signalling the next ruling house to produce a successor,” he explained.
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Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, General Secretary for both the Fusengbuwa family and the collective ruling houses, expressed pride in the family’s preparedness.
“It is our right and responsibility to present a qualified and respected prince with a strong background. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House comprises eight branches, all of which are represented here today and in full support of this process,” he said.
The Olowa of Ijebu-Ode and Abore of Awujale, Chief Razaq Osimodi, backed the process, emphasizing the spiritual importance of the Ifa oracle in choosing the next Awujale.
“While there are many interested candidates, only one will emerge, and the Ifa oracle will guide the family in making that decision,” he said.
Cultural advocate Olaseni Ottun also weighed in, describing Ijebu as a kingdom rich in heritage.
“This is the time for unity and for us to cherish what makes our culture unique,” he remarked.
As the succession process begins, all eyes remain on the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to uphold the legacy of the revered Oba Sikiru Adetona and ensure that tradition guides the path to the next Awujale.