The Ijebu people are angry with Gov. Dapo Abiodun right now. Both young and old, they are worried about the sudden stop he put to the selection process of the new Awujale.
It is close to a month now and no one knows what is going on right now.
Members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which is next in line to produce the next Awujale are also not happy right now with Gov. Dapo Abiodun, just as many prominent Ijebu Sons & Daughters.
They feel uncomfortable with the abrupt stopping of the selection process and the fact that the stoppage has gone on now for weeks with no end insight. From the beginning of the process, the government had intervened several times.
When the selection process started 95 aspirants, including 94 princes and one princess, expressed interest in the Awujale stool.
Right now, the Ogun State government has halted the selection process, citing procedural issues and security concerns.
Some notable aspirants include Prince Olaseni Ottun, a former banker, and Prince Ademorin Kuye, a federal lawmaker who has been at the centre of a big controversy, with the allegations that he has been parading himself as Awujale elect. But Kuye has denied allegations of parading himself as Awujale-elect, saying he’s committed to following due process.
The Awujale selection process involves several steps and stakeholders. Here’s a breakdown:
– Eligibility: The Awujale must be a male from one of the four ruling houses: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote, in a rotational order.
– Nomination: The process starts with a family meeting of the ruling house whose turn it is to produce the Awujale. They nominate candidate(s) for the throne.
– Submission to Odis: The nominated candidate(s) are presented to the Odis, one of the four principal classes involved in the kingmaking process.
– Kingmakers’ Selection: The Odis forward the name(s) to the 13-member council of kingmakers, who deliberate and choose the next Awujale.
– Government Approval: The selected candidate’s name is submitted to the Ogun State Government for approval.
The current process has been stalled due to procedural issues and security concerns. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which is next in line, has had 95 aspirants, including one princess, express interest in the position.
The Awujale selection process has a rich history rooted in Ijebu tradition.
The Awujale throne rotates among four ruling houses: Gbelegbuwa, Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote.
The 13-member council of kingmakers, including the Odis, play a crucial role in selecting the next Awujale.
The process involves nomination, deliberation, and selection by the kingmakers, followed by government approval.
The process has been influenced by colonial-era laws and modern governance, leading to government oversight.
The process has faced controversies, including the recent halt by the Ogun State Government due to procedural issues and security concerns.
The Awujale is a paramount ruler in Ijebuland, with significant cultural and historical importance. Would you like more details on the history or the current situation?
Why are the Ijebu people angry with Gov Abiodun right now?
One major concern is the suspension of the Awujale selection process, which has generated anxiety and uncertainty in Ijebuland. The Keregbetu family has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene and get the process restarted.
Additionally, some Ijebu residents are protesting against perceived government interference in the selection process, demanding a fair and transparent process.
