A coalition of Ijebu indigenes in the Diaspora, operating under the banner of the Ijebu Peoples Vanguard Assembly with chapters in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, has cautioned the Ogun State Government and other interested actors against any attempt to impose a preferred candidate on the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool.
The group, led by Omooba Babs Joseph Adesanwo, a barrister-at-law, insisted that the process of selecting a new Awujale must strictly follow established customs and traditions, warning that political interference would amount to a desecration of a sacred institution.
In a strongly worded statement, the group urged the Ogun State Government to refrain from dabbling in the succession process, stressing that the responsibility rests squarely with the recognised kingmakers and the appropriate ruling house.
Specifically, the Diaspora body advised Governor Dapo Abiodun to avoid actions it described as selfish or self-serving, noting that any perceived manipulation of the process could damage his political standing and public image.
The group further reminded the governor of his reported senatorial ambition in 2027, warning that alienating the Ijebu electorate through interference in the Awujale succession could have far-reaching political consequences.
“The governor should remember that political life does not end with the expiration of his tenure. He will need the goodwill and votes of Ijebu indigenes if he seeks elective office in the future,” the statement said.
According to the group, the Awujale stool is a sacred traditional institution, not a political platform where a powerful godfather can impose a candidate without due process.
It called on the governor to allow the kingmakers to discharge their lawful duties without pressure or inducement, noting that the ruling family has already played its part in line with tradition.
The Diaspora assembly also warned that it would not hesitate to mobilise voters against the governor should he fail to completely hands off all matters relating to the filling of the Awujale stool.
Omooba Adesanwo, meanwhile, commended the Fusengbuwa Royal Family and the kingmakers for what he described as their resolve to uphold truth and tradition, despite alleged attempts by “moneybags” to compromise the process.
He appealed to prominent sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ode and across Ijebuland to support the Fusengbuwa ruling house and the kingmakers with prayers, expressing confidence that a widely acceptable monarch would emerge if due process is respected.
The group also issued a stern warning to bona fide members of the Fusengbuwa Royal Family, urging them to clearly distinguish legitimate heirs from intruders, cautioning that failure to do so could attract the harsh judgment of history.