IJEBU-ODE — A member of the ruling families, Prince Olawale Adeyemi, has repeated that the Olufadi–Obalenfa family has a legitimate right in the ongoing process to choose the next Awujale of Ijebuland. He said his family has a clear and well-known historical claim to the throne.
In an interview, Adeyemi explained that his claim is based on a direct male-line connection to Olufadekemi (Olufadi), the first male descendant of Awujale Fusengbuwa, who was the 41st Awujale of Ijebuland.
He added that records and traditions of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House show that the Olufadi–Obalenfa branch is entitled to be part of the selection process. He also said he believes the Ogun State Government and other authorities will follow the correct procedures in choosing the new Awujale.
Adeyemi noted that Obanlefa served as the head (Olori-Ebi) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House for 25 years, from 1988 to 2013, without any opposition. His leadership, he said, was accepted by all ruling houses and recognised by the former Awujale.
He added that the descendants of Obanlefa are still officially recognised as the rightful male-line representatives of the Olufadi branch. He warned that any attempt to remove or ignore their role in the process would be an attempt to change established history.
Prince Oriola further said that excluding the Obanlefa descendants from the selection process would be unfair and dangerous, as it would undermine the traditional and legitimate system.
He insisted that the ruling house structure and past confirmations of leadership clearly support their rightful position in the succession process.
