Glamour at Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode.
Sequel to the death of Awujale of Ijebu Land, Fusengbuwa house, the lineage expected to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland has in a dramatic move changed its family head.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland on Sunday confirmed former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Otunba Abdul-Lateef Owoyemi, as the new Olori-Ebi of the royal family.
Owoyemi, an indigene of Idowa-Ijebu and the Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland, a title conferred on him nearly two decades ago by the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was chosen at an enlarged meeting of the ruling house at the Oba Adesunbo Tunwase Memorial Museum, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode.
His confirmation followed the voluntary resignation of the former Olori-Ebi, Otunba Adekunle Olubola Hassan, who cited the changing dynamics after the passing of Awujale Adetona as reason for stepping down.
Hassan, in his letter read at the gathering attended by dignitaries including Oba J. A. Osunsami, the Aladeken of Oke Ako, also endorsed Chief Professor Fassy Yusuf to continue as Deputy Olori-Ebi.
Speaking to newsmen after his confirmation, the octogenarian Owoyemi promised to lead with the wisdom of King Solomon, foster unity within the family, and strengthen the Fusengbuwa Ruling House into a formidable institution in Ijebuland.
He said, “I have been a very senior member of Fusengbuwa ruling house for over 44 years, I am conversant with the challenges and with God and the people on my side, the challenges are not insurmountable.
“Every member of the ruling house is a member of royalty and so either you are a woman or a man, big man or small man, you will be heard and listened to..I will lead right and guide with the wisdom of Solomon and I pray that the Almighty God will lead me aright.
“By the grace of God we are going to be fair and transparent and give every privileged and qualified candidates for the selection of the new Awujale. I also give my word that we are going to produce Awujale that will create history in the history of Yoruba land.”
