Awujale Succession: Ijebu-Ode Ruling Houses Affirm Ajidagba as Fusengbuwa Olori-Ebi

The Anikilaya and Gbelegbuwa ruling houses of Ijebu-Ode have openly declared their support for Prince Adedokun Ajidagba as the authentic Olori-Ebi (family head) of the Fusengbuwa ruling house.

Speaking separately with journalists on Saturday, Prince Taheeb Mabadeje Alaga, head of the Anikilaya ruling house and chairman of the four ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode, alongside Alhaji Adelagun Anibi, secretary of the Gbelegbuwa ruling house, endorsed Ajidagba’s leadership, stressing that he has been performing the role long before the passing of the late Awujale, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Prince Mabadeje noted that a court ruling had earlier invalidated the claim of Chief Lateef Owoyemi, paving way for Ajidagba’s confirmation as Olori-Ebi. He recalled that their forefathers jointly held meetings of the four ruling houses decades ago, a tradition he and Ajidagba have sustained.

“I am 82 years old with a solid Muslim background; I cannot see black and call it white. The late Awujale himself rejected Chief Owoyemi’s claim in court. The records are there. Ajidagba has long been recognized as the Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa. As chairman of the four ruling houses, I unequivocally affirm his authenticity,” Mabadeje declared.

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He further urged the Ogun State Government and the Afobaje (kingmakers) to remain neutral, insisting that the ruling houses must present a qualified candidate rooted in Ijebu heritage, not “a moneybag or outsider.”

Echoing the position, Alhaji Adelagun Anibi emphasized that the four ruling houses—Gbelegbuwa, Anikilaya, Fidipote, and Fusengbuwa—have been working collectively under Ajidagba’s leadership, with Prince Adeleke Adeyemi serving as secretary.

“During the recent ‘gbedu’ drum ceremony, all three other families honoured Ajidagba. The Fusengbuwa family is inseparably tied to Agunsebi Ile-Nla compound, and I find it strange for anyone from Idowa to lay claim as Olori-Ebi in Ijebu-Ode. Such a person is an impostor,” Anibi stated.

He reaffirmed their commitment: “We have consistently stood by Prince Ajidagba since his emergence as Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, and we remain firmly behind him to present a credible candidate for the Awujale stool.”