The race for the highly revered Awujale of Ijebuland stool gained major momentum this week as Chief (Prof.) Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, publicly affirmed his support for the aspiration of Prince (Engr.) Otunba Babatunde Babatunde Alatise in a press conference last Tuesday.
Addressing journalists and family members at the event, Chief Yusuf clarified that his attendance was not an unofficial personal endorsement but a reflection of the newly unified and indivisible Fusengbuwa Ruling House, whose leadership has merged into a single structure.
in his words;
“When Engr. Babatunde Alatise came to me last week to inform me about holding a press conference to declare his intention for the Awujale stool, as a democrat, I gave my consent But, I advised him to see his father’s classmate at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Otunba Abdulateef Adebayo Owoyemi, who—following the unification—is now the Family Chairman. Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba is the Deputy Chairman, while I serve as Vice Chairman. In other words, the three former factions have now become one indivisible family.”
Chief Yusuf said he insisted that Alatise must obtain clearance from Chairman Owoyemi, especially after family stated on their platform that the race should avoid excessive political-style publicity.
“He later returned to inform me that Otunba Owoyemi had given his full approval. That paved the way for me to attend because I do not want anyone thinking the family is still divided.” he added.
Although he admitted he does not yet know Engr. Alatise deeply on a personal level, Chief Yusuf emphasized his long-standing relationship with Alatise’s late father:
“I knew his father very well. We were in the same profession, in marketing and management, and we were inducted as Fellows of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria on the same day.
He was Secretary of the Ojude Oba Committee while I was Coordinator. We worked closely for many years. We share history, friendship, and values. So if his son is venturing into something meaningful, I believe I should naturally be counted in.”
Chief Yusuf addressed recent rumours claiming he endorsed another aspirant, Otunba Dr. Adekunle Hassan:
“I attended Dr. Adekunle Hassan’s declaration, but some social manipulators claimed I endorsed him. As leaders of the family, we are simply a clearing house.
We have not adopted any criteria or screening process yet. No leader has endorsed anybody. Everyone has equal opportunity to contest. By the end of this month, things will become clearer and the family will decide the procedure.” He explained.
However, he openly acknowledged that Alatise possesses remarkable qualities:
“On face value, Prince Engr. Babatunde Alatise has all it takes to be an Awujale.
He is well educated, well established, with good temperament, comportment, and character. He is a prince we should all be proud of.”
He ended with a prayer for the aspirant:
“I join your admirers in wishing you the very best. May Almighty God pave the way for you to ascend the throne.”
In his own remarks, Otunba (Engr.) Babatunde Alatise—a seasoned engineer and respected real estate developer—
reaffirmed his deep commitment to the heritage of Ijebuland.
He stated:
“I come forward with humility, clarity of purpose, and dedication to the sacred trust the Awujale throne represents.”
He said his vision includes: Upholding the sanctity of the Awujale institution, Strengthening traditional structures, Expanding economic opportunities through tourism and mining, Preserving Ijebu culture, festivals, and royal lineage, Promoting unity and inclusive development across Ijebuland.
Alatise descends from the Bubiade Royal Family of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Agunsebi, and is known for his work in engineering, property development, and community leadership.
With Fassy Yusuf—one of the most respected voices in the Fusengbuwa ruling dynasty—publicly clarifying his role as a family leader while maintaining that he is not supporting any particular aspirant, the dynamics of the Awujale succession are now entering a more clearly defined phase.
The family leadership is expected to release formal guidelines before the end of the month.
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