The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, the royal family next in line to produce the Awujale of Ijebuland, has begun spiritual preparations for succession following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona of the Ogbagba Anikilaya Ruling House.

On Sunday, members of the ruling house converged at ‘Ile-Nla’ in the Agusenbi royal family compound for a solemn prayer session in honour of their ancestors who once ruled Ijebuland. The gathering also featured the traditional rite of ikaro, through which new members were formally received into the fold.

The Olori-Ebi of the family, Prince Adedokun Oreagba, alongside other elders, presided over the prayers, which drew over 200 princes and princesses. Among the dignitaries in attendance were HRH Oba Tajudeen Bello, the Enisemu Leguru of Ijebuland and Olowa of Ijebu-Ode; Chief Razaq Adeleye Osimodi, Abore of Awujale; Alhaji Prince Fathai Arolowo, Chairman of Aron Construction Limited; and representatives of other ruling houses.

Speaking at the event, the family head, Chief Ajidagba, emphasized unity and the need for ancestral blessings ahead of the succession process.

“Our ‘Ile Nla Agusenbi’ of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has produced 25 Awujales in the past. We are offering prayers to remember them and seek their guidance in choosing the next monarch. After the mourning period for Oba Adetona, we will embark fully on the process of succession,” he said.

Ajidagba assured that the forthcoming selection process would be transparent, noting that his own recognition as Olori-Ebi had been duly affirmed by the late monarch. “The late Awujale may have altered some traditions, but we are restoring things to the right path,” he added.

Other speakers, including Otunba Fathai Arolowo, Prince Folu Ogidan Aderibigbe, and Prince Olaseni Samsideen Ottun, pledged their support for the family leadership, stressing unity and the need to present a capable, forward-looking candidate as the next Awujale.

The Fusengbuwa family, which consists of eight units, last produced an Awujale over a century ago and is now preparing to play its historic role in determining the next paramount ruler of Ijebuland.