The Vice-Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief Professor FASSY YUSUF, has called for transparency, fairness and justice in the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebu Land, raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the nomination procedure.

Chief Yusuf made the call while addressing journalists at a press briefing held at his office on Thursday, where he expressed alarm over what he described as questionable markings in the document forwarded to the kingmakers.

According to him, the names of some nominated candidates were reportedly written in bold in the document sent to the kingmakers, a development he said could undermine the credibility of the process and create room for bias.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House leader also raised concerns over an alleged plan by the kingmakers to disqualify candidates who already hold the title of Otunba from contesting for the Awujale throne. 

He described such a move as illegal, stressing that existing laws do not bar Otunbas from ascending the throne.

Chief Yusuf cited several examples of Otunbas who have successfully become traditional rulers in various Ijebu towns, noting that precedent clearly supports their eligibility.

Reacting to questions surrounding the number of candidates presented by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief Yusuf dismissed claims of irregularity, explaining that the law does not empower a ruling house to screen, reject or stop any individual from aspiring to the Awujale stool.

He emphasized that the responsibility of screening and selecting a suitable candidate lies solely with the kingmakers, urging all parties involved to strictly adhere to the provisions of the law to ensure a peaceful and credible outcome.

Chief Yusuf concluded by appealing to relevant authorities and stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the process in the interest of Ijebu Land.