The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, direct descendants of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Alayeluwa Oba Theophilus Adenuga, popularly known as Folagbade, has warned against the distortion of Customs, saying only its immediate family has the legitimate right to present candidates for the vacant Awujale stool.

They stated this on Monday, while addressing the controversy surrounding succession to the revered throne, and described the recent claims by some distant relatives allegedly parading themselves as part of the Fusengbuwa ruling house as misleading and unfounded.

DAILY POST reports that the next in line to succeed the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on 13 July at the age of 91 after 65 years in power, is the Fusengbuwa ruling house.

The head of the family and son of Oba Folagbade, Prince Bamidele Adenuga, explained that history and tradition has always left the immediate family of the ruling house with the power to present candidates.

He insisted that it has been a consistent practice across generations and was backed by the Chiefs Law of 1959.

He said, “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”.

Also speaking, Secretary of the Ruling House, Prince Adekunle Adenuga, mentioned that the stool of Awujale has never been thrown open to distant relatives or extended kinship, stressing that only eligible male descendants are the sons and grandchildren of the last monarch.

“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 added.

Meanwhile, the eldest progeny and daughter of Oba Folagbade, Princess Mosunmola Odukomaiya, clarified that sharing a common ancestry does not equate to eligibility for kingship and warned that the stool must not be desecrated by impostors.

She called for unity among all Ijebu sons and daughters, urging them not to be swayed by misinformation.

According to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, a list of eligible princes had already been compiled and as soon as the Kingmakers officially announced the commencement of the selection process, the list would be sent to the Odis.

They commended the Awujale Chiefs-in-Council and the Kingmakers for their honesty and dedication to upholding Ijebu tradition, and praised the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his promise to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Awujale’s stool not open to distant relatives, extended kinship – Fusengbuwa ruling house warns