Following the passing of the revered Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has declared its readiness to uphold the cherished traditions of the Ijebu people as it prepares to produce the next monarch.
Oba Adetona, whose impactful reign spanned over six decades, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. He was laid to rest the following day, Monday, July 14, 2025, marking the end of an era in Yoruba history.
As part of the established customs of Ijebuland, the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Adedokun Ajidagba, on Thursday led the ceremonial beating of the Gbedu drums in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
This significant ritual, steeped in cultural heritage, signifies the formal notification and intention of the next eligible ruling house to present a candidate for the Awujale stool.
Ajidagba emphasized that the process of selecting Oba Adetona’s successor must strictly adhere to the revered traditions and spiritual guidelines of the land. He issued a stern warning to all potential candidates, stressing that anyone aspiring to the throne must be committed to preserving the town’s cultural and religious heritage, especially the practice of Isese—the traditional belief system of the Yoruba.
“Whoever is chosen to ascend the Awujale throne must not discard Isese, which embodies our traditions. That is the bedrock upon which the development of Ijebuland rests,” Ajidagba declared.
He further recalled that the late Oba Adetona had explicitly instructed that the selection of his successor should be guided by the consultation of the Ifa oracle, a time-honoured spiritual process that ensures divine direction in leadership choices.
Ajidagba also called on the Ogun State Government to refrain from interfering in the succession process.
“We have formally written to the state authorities, urging them to allow the traditional and spiritual selection process to proceed unhindered.
“The late Awujale himself cautioned against the influence of wealth, political power, or external interests in determining the next monarch. He was clear that the stool must not be occupied by money bags, billionaires, or politicians.”
Providing further insight into the internal dynamics of the Fusengbuwa family, Ajidagba revealed that the ruling house comprises eight distinct branches, all of which have expressed unity and cooperation in the succession process
However, he noted the presence of some “intruders” attempting to influence the process and vowed that such interference would not be tolerated.
“We will not allow strangers or outsiders to hijack this sacred succession. The throne must remain within the rightful lineage.”
He also clarified the rotational arrangement of the ruling houses in Ijebuland, stating, “There are four ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode: Anikilaya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa. The last Awujale, Oba Adetona, was from the Anikilaya house. Now, by tradition, it is the rightful turn of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which I currently lead.”
Corroborating Ajidagba’s statements, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, who serves as the General Secretary for both the four ruling houses and the Fusengbuwa family, reaffirmed the family’s resolve to present a worthy candidate.
“It is both our right and our responsibility to nominate a qualified and respected prince with a strong ancestral and moral background. All eight branches of our family are fully represented and united in this process.”
Ajidagba concluded by reiterating that any candidate selected must be someone who earns the acceptance of the entire Ijebu people and remains committed to upholding their cherished traditions.
“Only then can we preserve the dignity and sanctity of the Awujale stool for future generations,” he affirmed.