Five ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode have appealed to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to lift the ban placed on the Afobajes (kingmakers), warning that the prolonged absence of a substantive Awujale is detrimental to peace, unity, and socio-economic development in Ijebu Land.

The appeal was made at a press conference held in Ijebu-Ode, addressed by Barrister Prince Adebowale Olufeko alongside representatives of four other ruling houses.

Speaking on behalf of the royal families, Prince Olufeko urged the governor to reconsider the restriction and allow the kingmakers to resume their constitutional and traditional responsibilities, stressing that no community can thrive sustainably without a recognised monarch.

“This important forum is convened to discuss the accession to the revered stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, as well as the broader developments affecting our people and our land,” Olufeko said.

He expressed deep appreciation to the Olori Ebi of the ruling houses, particularly the Head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi, Otunba Dokun Ajidagba, and Chief Fassy Yusuf, for their guidance, sacrifices, and leadership throughout the succession process.

Prince Olufeko also acknowledged the efforts of Governor Abiodun, especially steps taken to ensure that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale in accordance with tradition.

Clarifying the purpose of the meeting, Olufeko said it was neither convened to undermine government decisions nor to discredit constituted authorities. Rather, he explained that the gathering was aimed at reviewing the succession process, harmonising stakeholder views where necessary, and articulating a collective position rooted in decorum, respect, and strict adherence to tradition, custom, and the law.

Beyond the succession issue, Olufeko drew attention to the developmental needs of Ijebu Land, lamenting the absence of significant federal institutions and visible federal presence in the area. He, however, commended the Ogun State Government for facilitating the transfer of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) to a federal institution, describing the move as a laudable intervention.

He further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to support increased federal presence and development in Ijebu Land, while reiterating the call for kingmakers to be allowed to carry out their traditional duty of presenting an Omo Oye for enthronement as Awujale.

Prince Olufeko also praised Governor Abiodun for ongoing road infrastructure projects across the state, particularly the recently commissioned New Road/Abeokuta Road, and appealed for the extension of quality road networks deeper into Ijebu Land.

Reaffirming unity among the royal lineages, Olufeko stated that the Jadiara family are blood descendants bound by history and kinship, and remain committed to maintaining harmony among themselves.

“Only one person will eventually emerge as Omo Oye to ascend the stool of the Awujale,” he said, “but we are all bound by a higher obligation to contribute meaningfully to peace, unity, and the sustainable development of Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu Land as a whole.”

Those present at the press conference included Prince Habeeb Olawale Abdullah of the Bubiade Ruling House; Prince Taiwo Oluyemi of the Tunwase Ruling House; Prince Adewale Adesola Azeez of the Funsegbuwa Ruling House; Salau Adejuwon Deborah of the Jadiara family; and Prince Adewale Omotayo Mustapha, Youth Leader of the Jadiara Ruling House.