Awujale Succession: Ijebu-Ode Ruling Houses Unite Behind Ajidagba’s Leadership.
By Segun Omo Ojikutu
The historic town of Ijebu-Ode is witnessing a rare moment of unity as two of its foremost ruling houses—Anikilaya and Gbelegbuwa—have thrown their weight behind Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, affirming him as the authentic Olori-Ebi (family head) of the Fusengbuwa ruling house.
In a succession season often marked by contestations, the open endorsements from respected family elders are shaping the path of tradition and continuity in Ijebuland’s royal circles.
Prince Taheeb Mabadeje Alaga, head of the Anikilaya ruling house and chairman of the four ruling houses of Ijebu-Ode, made his position unequivocally clear. In his words, Prince Ajidagba has long carried the mantle of leadership within the Fusengbuwa family.
“I have known Prince Adedokun Ajidagba for more than 40 years. Our fathers were both members of the Anikilaya and Fusengbuwa ruling houses. I am 82 years old with a solid Muslim background; I cannot see black and call it white,” he said, recalling decades of shared history.
Mabadeje further emphasized that the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, had, through court rulings, rejected rival claims to the Fusengbuwa stool, cementing Ajidagba’s place in the family hierarchy. “Ajidagba has been functioning as Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa long before the passing of Oba Adetona. The records are there, and I cannot bend the truth,” he stressed.
He also issued a stern call for neutrality in the looming Awujale succession. “The government should not intervene in family matters. The family must present a viable candidate with deep roots, not a moneybag or outsider,” he said, underscoring the sacredness of tradition in producing the next custodian of Ijebu heritage.
Alhaji Akeem Adelagun Anibi, secretary of the Gbelegbuwa ruling house, echoed the same sentiment. He pointed to recent traditional gatherings, such as the gbedu drum ceremony, where the four ruling houses—including Anikilaya, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa—honoured Ajidagba’s leadership role.
“Fusengbuwa family is undeniably tied to the Agunsebi Ile-Nla compound. I cannot understand how someone from Idowa can lay claim to the Olori-Ebi title in Ijebu-Ode. We have consistently supported Prince Adedokun Ajidagba since his emergence, and we stand firmly behind him to present a credible candidate for the Awujale’s chieftaincy,” he declared.
As the dust of succession politics stirs in Ijebuland, the backing of Ajidagba by key ruling houses signals a strong alignment of tradition and authority. For many, it is not just about who leads the Fusengbuwa family, but about preserving the integrity of the processes that will ultimately shape the future of the Awujale throne.
Story Source: NUJ Ogun East Independent Chapel.
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