The tension surrounding the selection process for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland has intensified as Members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house staged a protest against alleged plot to manipulate the selection process for the new monarch.
This is coming few days after the suspension of the process by the Ogun State Government amid petitions and security concerns.
Several reports also alleged threat against the Awujale kingmakers by the state governor, Dapo Abiodun.
While Abiodun had since debunked the reports, the appearance of scores of placard carrying members of Fusengbuwa rulng house on the streets on Friday had triggered fresh concern over the selection process for the new Awujale.
Videos shared on X showed the protesters with placards bearing different inscriptions such as “Fusengbuwa say no to imposition”. “Let Ifa oracle determine the next Awujale”, “Let the kingmakers do their job, we say no to imposition” among others.
According to reports, the family members commenced the protestfrom Odo Egbo round about and walked through the Awujale palace/Itale road to the the secretariat of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Itooro where they were received by the LG chairman, Dare Alebiosu.
Speaking on behalf of the ruling house, Adejugba Obileye said that the family embarked on the protest to demand for the opening of the palace and to also urged government to stay clear of any imposition plot.
Obileye disclosed that the family which is the next to fill the vacant Awujale’s stool and the kingmakers are already doing what is expected of them traditionally and in line with the extant laws to pick the best Awujale of Ijebu land.
She maintained that the stool of Awujale is sacred and is not to be sacrificed on the altar of politics or any pecuniary gains.
Recall that the demise of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose reign lasted 65 years, had left the stool vacant with several crowned prince vying for the position.
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