Awujale Succession: Barr. Oduwole Urges Ogun Govt, Kingmakers To Uphold The Law, Stay Neutral

Awujale Succession: Barr. Oduwole Urges Ogun Govt, Kingmakers To Uphold The Law, Stay Neutral

By Segun Omo Ojikutu

The Baamofin of Ijebuland, Barrister AbdulWasiu Oduwole, has called for total neutrality and strict adherence to due process as preparations intensify for the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Speaking with journalists in his Degun, Ijebu-Ode office, the respected legal practitioner appealed to all tiers of government to refrain from meddling in the succession process, stressing that the responsibility rests solely on the ruling house and the kingmakers.

Oduwole reminded stakeholders that the Chiefs Law of 1957 remains the guiding framework for ascension to the Awujale throne, outlining rotation among the four ruling houses and recognizing both male and female lines—including children born before or during a father’s reign.

He expressed confidence in the credibility of the Ijebu-Ode kingmakers, urging them to maintain their integrity and resist all forms of corruption as they begin the process.

He commended the Fusengbuwa ruling house for the dignity and orderliness with which they have conducted themselves so far, noting that the arrival of the staff of office to the family marks the official commencement of the succession activities.

According to him, "once the authority is handed to the ruling house, it must work collaboratively with the kingmakers to present a legitimate and qualified candidate.

“The law is flexible. If a suitable candidate is not found in the male line, the female line can be considered. What matters is legitimacy within the ruling house, not gender.” He said.

The law is flexible. If a suitable candidate is not found in the male line, the female line can be considered. What matters is legitimacy within the ruling house, not gender.

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Oduwole emphasized that the rotational structure and the declaration governing the Awujale stool have been in place since 1957 and must be respected. “Everything must be done strictly in line with the law, the declaration, and established customs. I trust that the family and kingmakers will abide by these provisions.”

He reiterated that government has no direct role at this stage of the process and must avoid any form of political interference or influence.

Speaking on documents recently circulated among kingmakers and family heads, Oduwole explained that he acted on instructions given to him by the late Prince Adebisi Obanlefa, former Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

He said Obanlefa had entrusted him with relevant archival records in 1995, with a directive to hand them over when it became the turn of the family to produce the next Awujale.

   According to him: "I have fulfilled that promise. The documents, including certified true copies retrieved from Abeokuta archives, detail important succession records of the Fusengbuwa family and the four ruling houses. They remain crucial to the Awujale institution.”

He further highlighted that the law recognizes three branches within the ruling house—Abidagba Male, Abidagba Female, and Abidoye—affirming that all must be given fair consideration.

They must allow the process to run naturally and choose a candidate whose integrity is unquestionable.

Reiterating his earlier caution, Oduwole urged the kingmakers to shun corruption, stressing that the immediate past Awujale had also warned against moneybags attempting to compromise the process.

“Their task is sacred. They must allow the process to run naturally and choose a candidate whose integrity is unquestionable.”

He concluded by wishing all contestants well while urging the Ogun State Government to maintain absolute neutrality as history will judge all those involved in the sacred transition.

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