Awujale Stool: Five Ruling Houses Appeal to Gov. Abiodun to Lift Ban on Kingmakers

Awujale Stool: Five Ruling Houses Appeal to Gov. Abiodun to Lift Ban on Kingmakers

Five ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode have appealed to the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to lift the ban placed on the Afobajes (Kingmakers), describing the continued absence of a substantive Awujale as detrimental to peace, unity, and socio-economic development in Ijebu Land.

The appeal was made during a press conference held in Ijebu-Ode by Barrister Prince Adebowale Olufeko, alongside representatives of four other ruling houses.

Addressing journalists, Prince Olufeko urged the Governor to reconsider his position and allow the Kingmakers to resume their constitutional and traditional roles, stressing that a community without a king inevitably suffers stagnation in development and cohesion.

“This important forum is convened to discuss the accession to the revered stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, as well as the broader developments affecting our people and our land,” Olufeko said.

He expressed profound gratitude to the Olori Ebi of the ruling houses, particularly the Head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi, for their guidance, sacrifices, and leadership throughout the process. He also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, especially the steps taken to ensure that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale in line with tradition.

Prince Olufeko, a prominent son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, clarified that the meeting was not convened to undermine government decisions, disrupt the internal structure of the ruling house, or discredit constituted authorities. Rather, he explained, the gathering was intended to examine the succession process, aggregate the views of stakeholders where necessary, and articulate a collective position with decorum, respect, and strict adherence to tradition, custom, and law.

Beyond succession matters, Olufeko emphasised the urgent need to refocus attention on the development of Ijebu Land, noting the absence of significant federal institutions and visible federal presence in the area. He, however, commended the Ogun State Government for facilitating the transfer of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) to a Federal University, describing it as a positive and commendable intervention.

Calling for greater inclusion, Prince Olufeko also appealed to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to support increased federal presence and development in Ijebu Land. He urged that the Kingmakers be allowed to perform their traditional duty of presenting an “Omo Oye” for enthronement as Awujale.

He further applauded Governor Abiodun for ongoing road infrastructure projects across the state, particularly the recently commissioned New Road/Abeokuta Road, and appealed for the extension of quality road networks deeper into Ijebu Land.

Reaffirming unity among the royal lineages, Olufeko confirmed that the Jadiara family are blood descendants, bound by history and kinship, and remains committed to maintaining harmony among themselves.

“Only one person will eventually emerge as Omo Oye to ascend the stool of the Awujale,” he said, “but we are all bound by a higher obligation—to contribute meaningfully to peace, unity, and sustainable development of Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu Land as a whole.”

Representatives of other ruling houses present at the forum included:

Prince Habeeb Olawale Abdullah (Bubiade Ruling House)

Prince Taiwo Oluyemi (Tunwase Ruling House)

Prince Adewale Adesola Azzez (Funsegbuwa Ruling House)

Salau Adejuwon Deborah (Jadiara Family)

Prince Adewale Omotayo Mustapha (Jadiara Ruling House Youth Leader)