There were no chants, no applause and no royal aspirants in sight. Instead, a largely calm and controlled atmosphere—punctuated only by subdued murmuring among family members seated together—defined the nomination exercise for the vacant Awujale stool on Monday at Bisrod Hall, Ijebu-Ode.
While the hall was not completely silent, conversations were kept low and discreet, never rising to a level that could distract or disrupt proceedings. The absence of all aspirants from the venue and the firm insistence on decorum ensured that the exercise unfolded without incident, defying widespread expectations of tension or disorder.
Against this backdrop, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House successfully conducted a smooth and well-organised nomination process that produced 95 aspirants—94 princes and one princess—for the revered throne of Ijebuland. Family members and elders filled the hall, while officials of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, led by its Secretary, Abiodun Oke, were present strictly as observers.
Observers credited much of the order recorded at the venue to Omọba Ogidan, whose consistent appeals set the tone for the exercise. He repeatedly reminded attendees that the gathering was neither a rally nor a contest of noise.
Throughout the meeting, Omọba Ogidan cautioned against chanting, shouting or celebratory clapping, insisting that everyone remain seated at all times. His directives were largely obeyed, helping to maintain focus and discipline from start to finish.
At the end of the exercise, a total of 95 contestants duly emerged, each nominated by two persons in line with established guidelines—one proposer and one seconder. The spread of aspirants across lineages revealed varying strategies and depths of participation.
While some lineages presented only a single candidate, others fielded multiple contenders. The Tunwase lineage reportedly produced about 10 aspirants, the Bubiade lineage more than 10, while several other lineages submitted between five and six candidates, highlighting differing approaches to the contest.
Among the notable aspirants are Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga; Dr. Kunle Hassan, a renowned ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction. The sole female aspirant is Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer.
Speaking after the meeting, the Chairman and family head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, praised members for their restraint and cooperation, describing the exercise as a testament to unity and maturity within the family.
“We thank God that what we feared has come and gone peacefully,” Owoyemi said. “We have successfully and harmoniously nominated 95 candidates. It is now left to the kingmakers to do their work conscientiously and select the next Awujale.”
Owoyemi, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), said the family had undertaken extensive traditional consultations, including recourse to the Ifa oracle, expressing confidence that the eventual selection would take Ijebu land to greater heights.
The nomination meeting was presided over by Owoyemi; the Deputy Chairman, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba; and the Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf. Other local government officials were also present as observers.
Despite the smooth conduct of the exercise, the Awujale succession continues to generate public interest and legal commentary, particularly following earlier objections raised by Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1. The Fusengbuwa family has consistently maintained that Ayinde is not a member of the ruling house and is therefore ineligible to participate.
Ayinde had earlier approached the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode, seeking an interim injunction to halt the selection process. The court declined the request, ruling that the application lacked merit. The suit was later withdrawn without explanation.
With 95 names now before the kingmakers, the contest for the Awujale stool has entered a decisive phase. But if the nomination exercise is any indication, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House appears determined to let order—not noise—define the future of Ijebu’s most revered institution.
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