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The Fidipote Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has officially informed the Ijebu-Ode Local Government and the Ogun State Government of its decision to step forward in the Awujale succession process, following the failure of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to present candidates within the legally stipulated timeframe.
The development was conveyed through a formal two-page letter addressed to the Secretary of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government. The letter, dated Wednesday, was jointly signed by the Head of the Fidipote Royal Family, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, and the family’s Secretary, Omooba Tunde Aderibigbe. A copy of the correspondence was obtained by PUNCH Online.
In the letter, the Fidipote Ruling House explained that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which was first in line to nominate candidates for the vacant Awujale stool, failed to comply with the 14-day deadline provided under the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.
“We respectfully refer to your letter dated December 2, 2025, with Reference No 10LG584/0/29, wherein the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was formally notified and invited to present candidate(s) for the vacant stool of Awujale in accordance with Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021. Take notice as follows: Section 16(1)(b) of the law 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 letter read.
According to the Fidipote family, the submission window expired on December 16, 2025, without any formal nomination being made by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. They stated that the lapse automatically transferred nomination rights to the next ruling house in the established order of rotation.
“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 entitled under the order of rotation contained in the Declaration becomes legally entitled to present candidate(s). Under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959, the next ruling house after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is the Fidipote Ruling House,” the letter added.
In line with this provision, the Fidipote Royal Family announced plans to convene a general meeting to begin its internal selection process. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Fidipote Royal Hall, located at 12 Fusigboye Street, Idewon Quarters, Ijebu-Ode.
The family explained that the meeting would allow interested aspirants to formally indicate their intention, undergo screening by eligible family members, and participate in a voting process to determine candidates to be forwarded to the kingmakers.
Citing statutory requirements, the Fidipote Ruling House also invited the local government to observe the process. “Pursuant to Section 16(1)(d) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, which authorises the presence of the Secretary of the Local Government or his duly authorised representative as an observer at meetings of ruling houses, we hereby cordially invite you to attend the General Meeting of the Fidipote Royal Family,” the letter stated.
The family assured the government and other stakeholders that the selection exercise would be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict adherence to the law, customary practices, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959. Copies of the letter were also sent to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has reportedly postponed its own nomination meeting. Speaking to PUNCH, the Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, said the postponement followed advice from the government aimed at ensuring due process and avoiding potential legal disputes.
Owoyemi dismissed speculation linking the delay to Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, who hails from the Fidipote Ruling House and has reportedly shown interest in the Awujale stool. He clarified that KWAM 1 was allegedly disqualified from contesting under Fusengbuwa as a member of the Jadiara unit.
The unfolding situation has added fresh momentum to the Awujale succession process, as attention now shifts to the Fidipote Ruling House and its next steps.
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