The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, the family designated to produce the next Awujale following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona of the Ogbagba Anikilaya Ruling House, gathered on Sunday at ‘Ile-Nla’ in the Agusenbi royal family house to offer prayers to their ancestors who once ruled the land.
The event drew a large number of family members, including new members who were formally welcomed into the fold through the traditional rite of ‘ikaro’. They were received by the Olori-Ebi of the family, Prince Adedokun Oreagba, alongside other elders.
Prominent personalities present included Alhaji Prince Fathai Arolowo, Chairman of Aron Construction Limited; HRH Oba Tajudeen Bello, the Enisemu Leguru of Ijebuland and Olowa of Ijebu-Ode; as well as the Abore of Awujale, Chief Razaq Adeleye Osimodi.
Others in attendance were Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, General Secretary of the four ruling houses and Secretary to the Fusengbuwa family; Prince Folu Ogidan Aderibigbe; Prince Olaseni Samsideen Ottun; Omo-Oba Toibu Mabaweje; and representatives from the other ruling houses.
Speaking at the gathering, Chief Ajidagba, the Olori-Ebi of the family, emphasized unity, assuring that there would be no distractions when the time comes to select the next Awujale. He stressed the importance of ancestral prayers in spiritually preparing the path ahead.
“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. We mourn the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, but after the mourning period, we will embark fully on the process of succession,” he said.
Ajidagba noted that over 200 Princes and Princesses were present with their ‘ikaros’, reaffirming their allegiance to the family. He added that the Fusengbuwa family has eight units, and his own selection as Olori-Ebi had been duly affirmed by the late Awujale, who acknowledged that he had no authority to appoint an Olori-Ebi for any ruling house.
“The late Awujale distorted some traditions of Ijebu-Ode, but we are restoring things to the right path. Mechanisms will be put in place to ensure a fair and transparent selection process under my watch,” he declared.
Otunba Fathai Arolowo also expressed his support, saying, “I am here today to pray with my family and stand by them. The new Olori-Ebi has my full support. Fusengbuwa is one, and we remain united in Ijebu-Ode.”
Prince Folu Ogidan Aderibigbe described the gathering as part of Ijebu tradition and an “awakening session” for members to honour their ancestors. He added that the family seeks to present a capable and well-connected intellectual as the next Awujale, someone who can lead Ijebuland into its next phase of development.
In the same vein, Prince Olaseni Samsideen Ottun assured that the family is well-coordinated and prayed for wisdom and strength for the elders as they prepare for the crucial task of succession.
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