Awujale: KWAM 1’s Fidipote ruling house moves to claim stool, says Fusengbuwa misses deadline
Awujale Stool: Fidipote Ruling House Moves to Replace Fusengbuwa, Writes Ogun, Ijebu-Ode LG
The Fidipote Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally written to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area and the Ogun State Government, seeking to overturn the right of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to present candidates for the vacant Awujale stool.
This development was conveyed in a two-page letter addressed to the Secretary of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area on Wednesday, a copy of which was made available to www.cjsoftflix.com.
The letter was co-signed by the Head of the Fidipote Ruling House, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, and its Secretary, Omooba Tunde Aderibigbe. The family declared its eligibility to present candidates for the Awujale throne, citing the expiration of the statutory period allocated to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House under the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021 and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.
Why Fidipote Claims the Right to the Throne
According to the Fidipote Ruling House, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which was first entitled to nominate candidates, failed to do so within the 14-day period prescribed by law.
The family stated that Fusengbuwa was officially notified through a letter dated December 2, 2025, inviting it to submit candidates for the vacant stool in line with Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021.
Quoting relevant sections of the law, the letter read in part:
“Section 16(1)(b) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021 mandatorily provides that a ruling house so entitled shall submit the name(s) of its candidate(s) not later than fourteen (14) days after the announcement by the Secretary of the competent council.”
The Fidipote family added that the statutory deadline elapsed on December 16, 2025, without any submission from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
“By virtue of Section 16(1)(c) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, where the ruling house first entitled fails to submit candidate(s) within the prescribed time, the next ruling house under the order of rotation becomes legally entitled,” the letter stated.
KWAM 1 Connection to Fidipote Ruling House
The Fidipote Ruling House is the lineage historically associated with veteran Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), who had declared interest in the Awujale stool before the vacancy became contentious.
KWAM 1 also holds the title of Olori Omo-Oba Ijebuland, which was conferred on him by the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in 2023.
Invitation to Government for Nomination Meeting
In the same correspondence, the Fidipote Royal Family formally notified the local government of its intention to begin the nomination process and invited the Secretary of the Local Government, or an authorised representative, to attend its general meeting as an observer, in line with Section 16(1)(d) of the law.
The meeting is scheduled as follows:
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Venue: Fidipote Royal Hall, 12 Fusigboye Street, Idewon Quarters, Ijebu-Ode
- Time: 10:00 am
The family said the meeting would cover:
- Formal expression of interest by aspiring candidates
- Screening in accordance with customary law
- Voting and selection of candidates to be forwarded to the kingmakers
Assurance of Peaceful Process
The Fidipote Ruling House assured the Ogun State Government and relevant authorities that the process would be conducted peacefully, transparently, and strictly in line with the law, established customs, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.
Copies of the letter were also forwarded to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other relevant stakeholders.
Background to the Dispute
Recall that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House recently postponed its nomination meeting following an intervention by the Ogun State Government to avoid procedural lapses that could trigger litigation.
The Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, explained that the postponement was due to a government meeting aimed at ensuring compliance with extant laws, dismissing claims that it was linked to the candidature of KWAM 1.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that no fewer than 60 aspirants are jostling for the revered Awujale throne, making the succession process one of the most closely watched traditional contests in recent times.
For continuous updates on the Awujale succession battle, traditional institution politics, and breaking news across Nigeria, visit www.cjsoftflix.com for reliable and timely reports.
