Five ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode have appealed to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to lift the suspension placed on the Afobajes (kingmakers), warning that the continued absence of a substantive Awujale is hurting peace, unity, and socio-economic development in Ijebu Land.
The appeal was made at a press conference in Ijebu-Ode, where Barrister Prince Adebowale Olufeko spoke on behalf of the ruling houses, alongside representatives of four others. He described the prolonged leadership vacuum as unhealthy for communal cohesion and development, stressing that traditional institutions remain critical to stability and progress.
Addressing journalists, Olufeko urged the governor to allow the kingmakers to resume their constitutional and traditional responsibilities, particularly the presentation of an “Omo Oye” for enthronement in line with established customs.
“This forum is convened to address the accession to the revered stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, and the broader developments affecting our people,” he said, adding that communities without traditional leadership often experience stagnation.
Olufeko expressed gratitude to the Olori Ebi of the ruling houses, especially the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi, for their leadership and sacrifices. He also commended Governor Abiodun for his intervention in ensuring that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale in accordance with tradition.
He clarified that the meeting was not intended to challenge government authority or undermine any decision, but rather to review the succession process, harmonise stakeholder positions, and articulate a collective stance grounded in law, tradition, and mutual respect.
Beyond the succession issue, Olufeko drew attention to what he described as limited federal presence in Ijebu Land, calling for renewed focus on development. He, however, praised the Ogun State Government for facilitating the conversion of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) into a Federal University, describing it as a significant gain for the region.
The ruling houses also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to support increased federal presence and development in Ijebu Land, while reiterating the need for the kingmakers to be allowed to carry out their traditional mandate.
Olufeko further applauded ongoing road projects by the Abiodun administration, particularly the New Road/Abeokuta Road, and called for the expansion of quality road infrastructure deeper into Ijebu communities.
Reaffirming unity among the royal lineages, he stated that the Jadiara family are blood descendants bound by shared history, noting that internal harmony would be preserved throughout the process.
“Only one person will eventually emerge as Omo Oye to ascend the stool of the Awujale,” he said, “but our collective responsibility is to promote peace, unity, and sustainable development in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu Land.”
Representatives at the briefing included Prince Habeeb Olawale Abdullah (Bubiade Ruling House), Prince Taiwo Oluyemi (Tunwase Ruling House), Prince Adewale Adesola Azzez (Funsegbuwa Ruling House), Salau Adejuwon Deborah (Jadiara Family), and Prince Adewale Omotayo Mustapha, youth leader of the Jadiara Ruling House.