The Olori Ebi (family head) of Keregbetu of Ijebuland, Prince Adegboyega Olowu, has applauded the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House for what he described as a transparent and credible nomination process for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool.
Prince Olowu specifically commended the three heads of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House—Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi), and Prof. Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman)—for successfully coordinating the nomination of candidates.
According to The Nation, no fewer than 95 candidates were nominated on Monday, January 12, 2026, for the revered Awujale stool. Among those listed are Princess Oluwakemi Adetokunboh and AbdulFatai Arowolo. The stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on July 13, 2025, after a historic 65-year reign.
It was gathered that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is expected to forward the list of nominees to the kingmakers, known as the Afobajes, from next Monday, as the selection process moves into a crucial phase.
Reacting to the development, Prince Olowu described the exercise as a testament to the integrity and unity of the Olori Ebis involved, noting that their collective effort had reinforced public confidence in the process.
“As the morning shows the day, the credible conduct of the nomination exercise gives hope that a widely accepted candidate will eventually emerge,” he said.
The Keregbetu leader, however, cautioned Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to maintain neutrality by allowing the family heads and kingmakers to carry out their traditional responsibilities without political interference.
He stressed that history would judge the actions of everyone involved in the Awujale selection process, urging all stakeholders to act with fairness and restraint.
“The vacant stool of Awujale should not be politicised,” Olowu warned. “Ijebu is unique and more exposed than many other ethnic groups in the country, and the integrity of this process must be preserved.”