The Baagbimo of Ijebuland and Secretary of the Awujale Council of Chiefs, Prof. Chief Fassy Yusuf, has clarified that the Ifa oracle alone cannot determine the successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Yusuf, who is also the Deputy Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, said the decision rests squarely with the kingmakers and the ruling house, adding that a new monarch should emerge before the end of the year if there is no court injunction.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, on Wednesday, Yusuf said:
“The last time we had an Obaship process was in 1959–1960, and I don’t know if Ifa was consulted. Since there are no established criteria for picking the Awujale, whether the family consults Ifa or leaves it to the kingmakers is up to them.”
The former Ogun State Commissioner for Culture noted that traditions in Ijebuland have evolved, with three major religions now active—Isese, Christianity and Islam.
“The role of divinity is not entirely abolished, but some practices are no longer as relevant. We now have three groups — Isese, Christian and Islamic. Why emphasise Ifa alone? It all depends on the kingmakers and the ruling family,” he explained.
He also cited historical precedent, stressing that the late Oba Adetona was not chosen through Ifa consultation.
“Awujale Kayode Adetona was not the only son and was even challenged by his siblings in court before he was confirmed. Whether Ifa was consulted in that process, I don’t know,” he added.
Yusuf dismissed suggestions that the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, holds the title of “Oba of Ijebuland.”
“There’s nothing like ‘Oba of Ijebuland.’ The Awujale is the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, just as we have the Akarigbo of Remoland and the Alake of Egbaland. That structure maintains stability,” he said.
On the suspension of the Olisa, Yusuf maintained that only the Awujale had the power to reverse the decision.
Yusuf disclosed that the Fusengbuwa ruling house is expected to present candidates to the kingmakers in line with the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration.
“By October–November, if there’s no court injunction, we should be having a new Awujale,” he said.
He acknowledged divisions within the Fusengbuwa ruling house but described them as normal. “Conflict is part of life. The 1957 declaration allows for more than one Olori-Ebi and multiple candidates. The kingmakers will decide,” he added.
The succession tussle has pitched two camps against each other — the Ajidagba and Owoyemi factions. Yusuf stressed that legitimacy would be the deciding factor. “Both camps have rights to the throne if they can prove legitimacy,” he said.
While stressing that wealth alone should not determine the next Awujale, Yusuf said:
“No person of low status can become Awujale. Kabiyesi Adetona emphasized that the throne should not be for moneybags but for someone of impeccable character, a Solomon of our time.”
Beyond the succession, Yusuf reaffirmed that the struggle for the creation of Ijebu State, first championed by the late Awujale, is still alive.
“Awujale Adetona was the prime mover, but the dream did not die with him. We are determined to continue the struggle. It is a marathon, and within the next year, we hope to see progress,” he said.
He stressed that the process requires adherence to constitutional provisions, with endorsement from at least 24 states after a National Assembly resolution.
According to him, political developments such as the senatorial race in Ogun East would not derail the agitation.
“No matter the swings, the agitation remains. I don’t think any senator who truly represents Ijebuland will jettison the cause,” he said.
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