Abdulateef Owoyemi dismisses reports of a screening panel for Awujale succession, stressing the Fusengbuwa ruling house is yet to set guidelines

The Head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, has dismissed media reports claiming that a screening committee has been established for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

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Owoyemi, a former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), stated that the ruling house was still working behind the scenes to design a credible and transparent process.

Speaking on Friday at his Idowa country home in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, while hosting members of the Tunwase family led by Mr. R.O. Shonibare, Owoyemi said:

“We are yet to design screening forms, agree on fees, or decide on the number of aspirants each family should present. Nothing has been concluded. People may claim to be setting up committees elsewhere, but Fusengbuwa ruling house has not.”

The Fusengbuwa house is expected to produce the next Awujale following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years before passing away on July 13 at the age of 91.

Owoyemi cautioned against monetising the succession process, warning that excessive financial demands could taint it in the same way politics has been corrupted.

“We must ensure only the best candidate emerges in a transparent and acceptable way,” he said.

He appealed to the Ogun State Government and the kingmakers to work in harmony with the ruling house to protect Ijebu unity and progress.

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Earlier, Mr. Shonibare pledged the Tunwase family’s loyalty to Owoyemi’s leadership and commitment to a smooth succession process.