…Seeks Fresh Selection Process

The Fusengbuwa/Jadiara Ruling House of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has called for a fresh selection process for the vacant Awujale stool, insisting that the exercise must be transparent, inclusive and conducted in line with established procedures.

Recall that this is the second time the ruling would have a change in leadership following the dispute that befall the party.

The demand was made during a meeting of the ruling house held at Ule Nla Agunsebi Hall, Ijebu Ode, on Sunday, where Omooba Otukayode Hakeem Otufale was elected as the new Olori Ebi.

The ruling house said the decision followed concerns over the conduct of the previous selection exercise, including alleged procedural breaches, inadequate consultation and other issues that, according to members, undermined confidence in the process.

The meeting, attended by elders, princes and heads of various family units, also resolved to strengthen the unity of the ruling house and ensure that its role in selecting the next Awujale is properly recognised.

Speaking on behalf of the Tunwase Ruling House, Otunba Kehinde Alebiosun said members decided to regroup following what he described as an embarrassing situation arising from the manner in which former leaders handled the selection process.

Alebiosun alleged that the previous process was characterised by traditional and procedural infractions, as well as inadequate consultation with members of the ruling house.

“It is unfortunate that the people who handled the situation surrounding the selection of the Awujale failed to follow the necessary procedures. But thank God for the opportunity to right the wrong .”

He said the fresh initiative was aimed at restoring unity within the ruling house and ensuring its proper participation in the selection of the next Awujale.

Representatives of the various family units subsequently presented a certificate to Otufale, formally recognising him as the new Olori Ebi.

In his acceptance speech, Otufale pledged to promote unity, transparency and accountability within the ruling house.

He also raised concerns about the conduct of the previous committee that handled the selection process, alleging that the committee did not operate effectively as a team and failed to render an account of funds allegedly collected from aspirants.

According to him, the chairmen involved in the process had been informed by the government that money should not determine the selection of a candidate for the Awujale stool and that funds collected from aspirants should be refunded.

“Awujale Ijebu Ode stool isn’t for sale,” he said .

Otufale further alleged that no refunds had been made and no statement of account had been presented to the ruling house.

“It is sad to note that, as we are gathered here today, no refunds have been made and no statement of account has been rendered to the family to confirm how much was collected, into which account the money was paid and how any refunds were made.”

He called on anyone claiming that the funds had been refunded to provide documentary evidence for verification by the appropriate authorities and, where necessary, recovery.

Otufale also alleged that some aspirants were excluded from meetings despite established practices within the ruling house. He questioned the submission of 86 names to the kingmakers without what he described as proper screening.

He said the development raised questions about whether those responsible for the process had fully discharged their responsibilities.

The new Olori Ebi also raised concerns over reports that two former chairmen associated with the selection process had acquired new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, calling for the circumstances surrounding the alleged acquisitions to be established.

Otufale said the former chairmen had lost the confidence of the ruling house and should no longer be entrusted with responsibilities relating to the selection process.

On reported legal proceedings instituted by some former leaders in connection with the Awujale selection process, Otufale said the ruling house was neither aware of nor a party to any such action against the Ogun State Government.

He said the new leadership would communicate its position to the court and clarify that the individuals involved were not authorised to act on behalf of the ruling house.

Dissociating the Fusengbuwa Ruling House from any legal action against the government, Otufale said the family preferred to work with the government to restart the selection process.

“We are not willing or interested in taking the government to court. The government has been able to stop the stool from being stolen, and when the restart button is pressed, we shall do a better job in conducting the selection process than the mess created by the trio .”

He noted that his emergence as Olori Ebi followed the laid-down procedures of the ruling house, adding that an acting chairman had also been appointed.

He said letters had been sent to the government and the kingmakers to formally communicate the latest developments.

He pledged to ensure fairness for all qualified members of the ruling house, insisting that the selection process should be conducted from the family house and in accordance with established procedures.

“I will be fair to everyone. I will try my best. I will not leave the family house, where the staff of office and the letter were brought, to go and hold meetings somewhere else. It will be against my principle .”

Another member of the ruling house, Omooba Abiodun Ogidan, also called for the selection process to be restarted, alleging that the previous exercise had been compromised by the former chairman and his deputy.

Ogidan urged the ruling house and the government to move forward with a fresh process that would produce a new Awujale.

He also dismissed suggestions that the ruling house was divided into factions, insisting that members remained united.
“We do not have factions. This is the family house. It is the address the government has, and anybody who is a member of the family knows that this is where we meet .”

The ruling house reiterated its call for a fresh and transparent selection process, with all qualified members given equal opportunity to participate and all established procedures strictly followed.