The Secretary of the Ijebu Council of Chiefs and Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief (Prof.) Adetokunbo Fassy Yusuf, has asked the Ogun State Government to properly investigate alleged corruption in the process of selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
Speaking in Ijebu-Ode over the weekend, Yusuf criticised attempts by some people to influence the selection process by promoting certain candidates instead of allowing a fair process.
He said it was wrong for anyone to single out preferred candidates, explaining that the 2022 Obas and Chiefs Law treats all eligible princes equally and does not favour any group.
Yusuf said the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had done its duty and challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to present it. He added that anyone found guilty of misconduct should be punished in the interest of fairness.
He insisted that anyone trying to disrupt or manipulate the process must be held responsible.
Commenting on the suspension of the selection process, Yusuf urged the state government to clearly explain the reasons for the decision, saying transparency would help restore confidence and ensure a credible process.
He explained that the process started with 95 nominations, which were later reduced to 86 in line with the 2022 Obas and Chiefs Law to prevent legal disputes.
The Bagbimo of Ijebuland also expressed concern that after following the guidelines set by the kingmakers, some names were allegedly favoured while some Otunbas were disqualified. He described this action as careless and wrong.
Yusuf clarified that the Otunba title is only ceremonial and was created by the late Awujale to honour loyal supporters during political struggles. He said the title is not traditional or officially recognised, adding that there is no law preventing an Otunba from becoming Awujale.
He also described recent protests as being sponsored, saying the Fusengbuwa Ruling House did not meet or agree to such actions.
Yusuf warned the public against believing information shared on social media, saying many online reports are false and could cause unrest if not properly checked.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, said the selection process was suspended temporarily to prevent wrongdoing and would resume soon.
He denied reports that any chief had been suspended in the town, calling such claims false.
Alebiosu assured contestants and residents that the process would be fair, stressing that the government has no preferred candidate and would not allow the situation to turn chaotic.
One of the contestants, Prince Adegboyega Banjoko of Ile Nla Quarters, Fusengbuwa Ruling House, called for fairness and urged the government to act firmly against anyone trying to take over the process.
Another contestant, Prince Tajudeen Bello, appealed for calm and asked the government to thoroughly investigate corruption claims involving some candidates and kingmakers. He said the Awujale throne should not be decided by money.
