Fusengbuwa Ruling House declares K1 ineligible, says Tinubu, Abiodun not interfering in Awujale succession

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July 15, 2021

AKINWALE ABOLUWADE

Otunba Abdullateef Abdulaziz Owoyemi,  Chairman (Olori Ebi) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, has dismissed allegations of political interference in the Awujale succession process, insisting that neither President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nor Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun is imposing any candidate for the revered stool.

Owoyemi spoke during an appearance on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Thursday, amid growing controversies and public speculation surrounding the suspended selection process.

The Ogun State Government had on January 21, 2026, suspended the Awujale succession exercise, citing petitions, rising tension and security concerns. The matter has since generated widespread debate across Ijebuland and beyond.

However, the ruling house chairman disclosed that neither he nor the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had been formally served with any petition relating to the exercise.

Owoyemi said, “People keep talking about petitions, but up till today, I have not seen any. Nobody has served me or the ruling house any document requiring a response.” He described the situation as both curious and frustrating.

Owoyemi, who is a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), explained that during consultations with Governor Abiodun, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, he deliberately avoided pressing for the alleged petitions in order not to worsen tensions.

“My priority was to find a peaceful way forward, not to trade accusations or allow discussions to collapse,” he stated.
He maintained that ongoing security investigations, if any, should not halt a traditional institution rooted in culture and law.

He added that “If anyone has committed an offence, government has the right to investigate. But such investigations should not suspend the traditional process of appointing an Awujale. Culture and history cannot be put on hold because of allegations.”

Emergence of 95 Aspirants
Owoyemi also addressed concerns over the unprecedented emergence of 95 aspirants for the Awujale stool, the highest number recorded in the history of the monarchy.

According to him, the situation followed government intervention that nullified an earlier regulatory measure introduced by the ruling house.

He explained that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had initially imposed a ₦10 million administrative and logistical fee to streamline applications and manage the anticipated influx of contenders.

The fee, he said, was intended to cover ritual obligations, rehabilitation of the Odo seclusion facility, documentation and security logistics.

“Only 12 aspirants paid initially, which helped regulate the process. But after complaints and political pressure, the government directed that all payments be refunded and applications made free,” he said.

Owoyemi noted that all payments were refunded within three days, after which applications surged uncontrollably to 95.
He stated, “You cannot dismantle a regulatory mechanism and later complain about disorder.”

Clarifying the legal framework guiding the process, Owoyemi stressed that the ruling house lacks constitutional authority to screen or disqualify aspirants, noting that such responsibility rests solely with the kingmakers.

He cited Section 15(1)(b)(3) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law (2021), which restricts eligibility to direct descendants of previous Awujales from the ruling house.

He explained that “There have been four Awujales from our ruling house. Anyone unable to trace direct lineage to any of them is automatically disqualified under the law. However, enforcement lies with the kingmakers, not with me.”

He warned that unilateral action by the ruling house could trigger prolonged litigation capable of delaying the emergence of a new Awujale for years.

Responding to allegations that President Tinubu or Governor Abiodun was backing a particular aspirant, including claims surrounding Kunle Kuye, Owoyemi firmly denied any interference.

He said, “The President has never called me, sent anyone to me, or pressured me to impose any candidate. At no time did he interfere in this process.”

He added that Governor Abiodun’s primary concern remains peace, stability and credibility of the selection exercise.
Owoyemi, however, acknowledged intense lobbying by political figures and influential Nigerians but said he rejected all inducements.

“I cannot sell this stool. The moment I compromise, I lose my honour and ancestral mandate,” he stated.

On the controversy surrounding Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 The Ultimate), Owoyemi said the entertainer was found ineligible after thorough genealogical verification.

He explained that membership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is determined through strict lineage authentication and traditional procedures.

“You cannot simply declare yourself a member of the ruling house. Ancestry must be verified by recognized family heads, screened by elders and validated through traditional oath rites,” he said.

The individual presented as K1’s family head is not recognised by the ruling house, while mandatory traditional processes were not fulfilled, he enunciated.

Owoyemi emphasised, “The elders examined the matter extensively and unanimously concluded that he does not belong to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. These decisions are cultural, legal and historical, not political.”