The succession crisis surrounding the vacant throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland has sparked sharp criticism, with calls for the Ogun State Government to respect Yoruba tradition and withdraw from the process.
In a strongly worded statement, Otunba Rotimi Paseda declared that “the ongoing controversy over the succession to the vacant throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland is not just another local dispute — it is a fundamental clash between Yoruba tradition and political interference, and the state must not be allowed to override established cultural norms.”
Following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025, after an extraordinary 65-year reign, the stool has remained vacant. According to Paseda, “the rightful process of succession has begun within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which is next in rotation to present candidates for consideration by the kingmakers.”
However, the Ogun State Government has twice suspended the process, most recently in January 2026, citing petitions and security concerns. One petition reportedly came from Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1). Paseda warned: “Make no mistake: this intrusion is a perilous step toward politicising a sacred institution.”
Yoruba custom dictates that once it is a ruling house’s turn, eligible princes nominate candidates, who are then scrutinised and selected by kingmakers. Paseda stressed: “Any imposition of a candidate by government officials would be a direct violation of that system.”
He noted that “the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has warned that it will reject any attempt by the government to foist a candidate on Ijebuland, insisting the process must be guided strictly by tradition and law.”
Drawing parallels with colonial interference, Paseda argued: “History shows that colonial and postcolonial state meddling in Yoruba kingship undermines legitimacy and fuels long-term instability. Just as the colonial administrators once interfered with succession systems for political control, today’s interventions threaten to erode the spiritual and cultural foundations of the Awujale institution.”
The government has defended its actions as necessary for “peace, order and good government.” But Paseda countered: “This cannot be a pretext for overriding clear traditional norms. The Awujale stool is one of the most revered in Yorubaland. Political interference — even under the guise of security — risks turning it into a pawn of bureaucratic politics, rather than a unifying cultural symbol.”
“Any attempt to impose candidates or usurp the traditional process will be rejected by Ijebuland and by all lovers of Yoruba heritage. The Awujale throne deserves respect for tradition, not manipulation by political officeholders.” Paseda stated.
