Awujale: Ruling house sacks leader, two others over alleged fraud

Leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, have removed three of their top officials, including the family chairman, over allegations of financial inducement and manipulation. The decision, announced Sunday, stems from a 25-page report by a nine-member fact-finding committee.

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there is a manifest breakdown of unity, communication, and cohesion among the trio acclaimed Olori-Ebi

The committee investigated petitions filed in June, which accused the leaders of bribery and other irregularities in the selection process for the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland. The report, presented by committee secretary Adeyemo Oduneye, noted a "manifest breakdown of unity, communication, and cohesion" among the trio.

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The chairman, deputy chairman and vice chairman, in utter disregard for the statutory classification of candidates as set out in the Awujale Declaration, refused and/or neglected to classify the candidates into either male line, female line or those candidates born through Awujale Folagbade before he ascended the throne.

While the chairman, Abdulateef Owoyemi, appeared before the committee, his vice-chairman, Prof Fassy Yusuf, and deputy chairman, Adeodokun Ajidagba, declined invitations. The committee found that the process of compiling and submitting candidates' lists lacked transparency and due process. It specifically criticized the leaders for disregarding the statutory classification of candidates as outlined in the Awujale Declaration.

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This is unpardonable and deliberate dereliction of sacred duty bestowed upon the Fusengbuwa ruling house anchored by the chairman, deputy chairman and vice chairman who usurped the powers of the whole ruling house.

The ruling house adopted the committee's recommendations, voting for the immediate removal of the three leaders. Family secretary Adeleke Adeyemi stated that the removal was unanimous, based on the committee's findings of malpractices, including bribery, within the ruling house. The family aims for peace, unity, and respect for the Awujale institution.

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The fact-finding committee investigated issues within the ruling house and found that most of the ‘Olori ebi’ were involved in malpractices such as bribery.