Awujale Stool: Only Folagbade Descendants Eligible – Fusengbuwa Ruling House Declares

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, direct descendants of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Alayeluwa Oba Theophilus Adenuga Tunwase (popularly known as Folagbade) and last monarch in Fusengbuwa Ruling Lineage, has reaffirmed that only his immediate family has the legitimate right to present candidates for the vacant Awujale stool.

Addressing the controversy surrounding succession to the revered throne, the family described as misleading and unfounded, recent claims by some distant relatives who now parade themselves as part of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

Prince Bamidele Adenuga, head of the family and son of Oba Folagbade, explained that history and tradition leave no ambiguity as to who qualifies to vie for the throne.

“In Ijebu custom, the ruling house empowered to present candidates has always meant the immediate family of the last king within that lineage. In our case, that responsibility falls on the direct descendants of Oba Folagbade. This has been the consistent practice across generations and it is well supported by the Chiefs Law of 1959,” Prince Adenuga said.

Backing this position, Prince Adekunle Adenuga, Secretary of the Ruling House, noted that kingship in Ijebuland follows the principle of primogeniture. According to him, only the male progeny – sons and grandsons of the last monarch are eligible. In some special cases, grandsons from the female line of the last monarch can also be eligible.

“The stool of Awujale has never been thrown open to distant relatives or extended kinship. Even in cases where ruling houses were skipped in history, it was because the immediate king left no male heir. At no point were unqualified relatives considered. Attempts to expand the definition of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are inconsistent with our customs and consequently, a distortion of our heritage mischievous of bringing in ineligible persons,” he stressed.

Princess Mosunmola Odukomaiya, eldest progeny and daughter of Oba Folagbade, appealed for unity among all Ijebu sons and daughters while urging them not to be swayed by misinformation.

“Sharing a common ancestry or oriki does not equate to eligibility for kingship. The Awujale stool is the pride of all Ijebus and must not be desecrated by impostors or pretenders. Nevertheless, we continue to recognize our distant relatives as family in social contexts, but only Folagbade’s immediate descendants bear the duty of succession at this time,” Princess Odukomaiya stated.

The family commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, for his pledge to ensure a fair and transparent process, and also praised the Awujale Chiefs-in-Council and the Kingmakers for their integrity and commitment to preserving Ijebu tradition.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House disclosed that meetings had already been convened, and a list of eligible princes compiled. The list, they said, would be transmitted to the Odis as soon as the Kingmakers formally declare the commencement of the selection process.

Concluding, Prince Bamidele Adenuga reiterated the family’s commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the Awujale stool. “Our people must stand united in defending the dignity of our royal tradition. The throne of Awujale is not only about kingship, it is the symbol of Ijebu identity and pride. We must all resist every attempt to distort this sacred heritage,” he said.