Head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, Abdulateef Owoyemi, yesterday, appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the embargo on the Awujale selection process and allow the kingmakers to complete their assignment.

He said that the royal family, which is next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, as well as sons and daughters of Ijebuland at home and in the Diaspora, were unhappy, frustrated and saddened by the indefinite suspension of the selection process by the state government.

Owoyemi, while speaking against the backdrop of the seemingly suspended process, commended the governor for his support so far, but urged him not to allow any distraction to hinder the completion of the selection process as soon as possible.

He further said that he had been inundated daily with calls from within and outside the country from indigenes of Ijebuland seeking updates on the emergence of a new Awujale.

“The royal family and indeed every son and daughter of Ijebu land will appreciate it if the governor can allow all these distractions to be put behind us because it has always been like that when people are contesting or competing for a position. Ramadan has begun, after which we shall have our yearly Ojude Oba during Eid-el-Kabir, a gathering with religious and cultural significance.

“Everyone, both at home and in the Diaspora, is waiting, but who will coordinate the preparation? The people are waiting for guidance. The truth is that they want to have the new Awujale. We want this matter concluded as soon as possible.

“I am overwhelmed. I receive calls every day from within and outside the country from family members who want to know what is happening, but I have nothing to tell them. Yes, we have also been appealing to the government, but we have received no response.”

“By now, the government should have had enough time to review whatever concerns it observed and lift the suspension. The people are expectant; they want a new Awujale as soon as possible.

“The governor has tried, but it is time to conclude the process. This process must be completed, and someone must emerge. This is the plea of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. We sincerely beg the governor to allow the kingmakers to finish their job.”