Ijebu Ode— Fresh controversy has engulfed the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland as allegations emerge that powerful political interests are quietly backing the candidacy of Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye despite what critics describe as overwhelming customary and genealogical obstacles standing in his path.
The latest dispute has reignited debate over the integrity of the traditional succession process following claims that attempts are being made to present Kuye as a candidate from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the lineage currently entitled to produce the next Awujale.
Stakeholders opposing the move insist that while the Kuye family is unquestionably of Gbelegbuwa stock and among the foremost descendants of that ruling house, any effort to rebrand Prince Kuye as a Fusengbuwa prince amounts to a distortion of established history and customary law.
According to them, the controversy mirrors what they described as previous attempts by other aspirants to navigate around long-settled succession rules through political influence and strategic public relations campaigns.
“A simple question exposes the contradiction,” one prominent traditional stakeholder argued. “Why was Prince Kuye never conferred with an Otunba title by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House during the lifetime of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, if he truly belonged to that lineage?”
The critics contend that traditional titles are not awarded retrospectively to support future political ambitions, but are bestowed within established customary structures that define identity and lineage.
More significantly, they point to Prince Kuye’s acceptance of the Otunba Ajana title, which they say is firmly domiciled within the Gbelegbuwa Ruling House.
According to them, that title constitutes a clear acknowledgement of his royal identity and lineage, making subsequent claims to Fusengbuwa ancestry for succession purposes difficult to reconcile with historical records.
“Custom does not bend to convenience,” one source said. “It is unreasonable to embrace a Gbelegbuwa identity for decades and then seek refuge under Fusengbuwa when a succession opportunity emerges.”
The debate has also drawn attention to the role of Otunba title holders in the Awujale succession process.
Opponents of Kuye’s candidacy maintain that Otunbaship has never served as a pathway to the Awujale throne. Rather, they argue, the title has historically been reserved for royal descendants who are outside the direct line of succession.
To reinforce their position, they challenged supporters of the candidacy to identify any previous Awujale who ascended the throne while holding an Otunba title.
“History is clear. Customary law is settled,” a stakeholder stated. “The silence that follows that challenge will speak louder than any argument.”
The dispute comes amid increasing concerns that the succession contest is becoming heavily politicised.
Observers note that aspirants and their supporters have intensified campaigns through social media platforms, media engagements and public relations efforts, creating an atmosphere many believe resembles a political election rather than a traditional selection process.
There are also reports of aggressive lobbying, promotional activities and attempts to sway public opinion through gifts and financial inducements.
While many aspirants boast impressive academic and professional credentials, traditionalists insist that scholarship alone cannot determine eligibility for one of Yorubaland’s most revered traditional institutions.
They argue that deep knowledge of Ijebu history, customs, language and cultural heritage remains more important than educational qualifications.
Beyond academic achievements, stakeholders maintain that the paramount consideration in the current succession exercise remains verifiable descent from Oba Adejoko Fusengbuwa, whose ruling house is next in line to occupy the throne.
According to them, no amount of political support, financial influence or public relations campaigns can substitute for legitimacy of lineage.
As the selection process enters its decisive stage, calls are growing for strict adherence to established customs and documentary evidence to determine who qualifies to contest for the coveted stool.
For many observers, the controversy surrounding Prince Kuye’s candidacy has become a defining test of whether Ijebu tradition will prevail over political considerations.
“The issue is not academic qualifications, wealth or political connections,” a stakeholder said. “The issue is legitimacy. The next Awujale must emerge from the rightful lineage. Anything less would amount to a betrayal of history and tradition.”
The Ogun State Government has also previously dismissed suggestions that it is seeking to impose any candidate on Ijebuland.
Government officials have repeatedly maintained that the administration’s role is limited to ensuring that due process is followed in accordance with applicable laws and established traditional procedures.
The government has insisted that the eventual choice of the next Awujale should emerge through the recognised succession process and not through political interference.
With the final decision drawing closer, the succession battle continues to divide opinion across Ijebuland, where many insist that only a candidate with unquestionable roots in the Fusengbuwa Ruling House should be considered for the throne.
