Awujale succession dispute clarified as Fusengbuwa Ruling House declares only direct descendants of late Oba Folagbade eligible for the throne

Awujale succession dispute has taken centre stage in Ijebuland, with the Fusengbuwa Ruling House—direct descendants of the late Awujale, Oba Theophilus Adenuga Tunwase (fondly called Folagbade)—declaring that only his immediate children and descendants are eligible to contest for the vacant stool.

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Speaking on behalf of the family, Prince Bamidele Adenuga, head of the Fusengbuwa lineage and son of Oba Folagbade, dismissed claims by distant relatives as misleading.

“In Ijebu tradition, succession rights are clear: the ruling house entitled to present candidates always means the direct family of the last king from that lineage.

For us, that duty lies with Oba Folagbade’s children and descendants. That is how it has always been, and it is firmly backed by the Chiefs Law of 1959,” he said.

Prince Adekunle Adenuga, Secretary of the Ruling House, reinforced that kingship in Ijebuland is rooted in primogeniture. “The throne is reserved for the male progeny of the last monarch – sons and grandsons.

In special cases, male grandchildren through daughters may also qualify. What it is not, is a free-for-all,” he stated.

Princess Mosunmola Odukomaiya, eldest child of Oba Folagbade, urged unity among Ijebu people. “Having the same oriki does not make one eligible for the Awujale stool.

This throne is sacred, it represents the pride and identity of Ijebuland. We must not allow impostors to desecrate it,” she said.

The family thanked Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for ensuring transparency in the process, as well as the Awujale Chiefs-in-Council and Kingmakers for safeguarding Ijebu customs.

They confirmed that a list of eligible princes has already been compiled and will be forwarded to the Odis when the selection formally begins.

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Reaffirming the family’s stance, Prince Bamidele concluded: “The Awujale throne is bigger than an individual; it is the heartbeat of Ijebu identity. We owe it to our people and to history to defend its sanctity and resist all attempts to distort our heritage.”