By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The Chairman and Head of the Fusegbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Abdul Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, alongside the Deputy Chairman, Chief Ajidagba, and the Vice Chairman, Chief Professor Olatokunbo Fassy Yussuf, jointly presided over the nomination exercise for the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
The exercise took place at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, and was attended by members of the Fusegbuwa Ruling House. The nomination and secondment of candidates were conducted strictly in accordance with traditional guidelines, under the observation of Local Government officials led by the Local Government Secretary, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo. Other officials present included Alhaji T. A. Akinyele, Director of General Services and Administration; Mr. Segun Balogun, Chief Administrative Officer; Mrs. Omojuwa B. B., Confidential Secretary; and other administrative officers.
Addressing family members, the Chairman urged all participants to maintain peace and decorum throughout the process. He also confirmed that only duly accredited family representatives, as recorded in the attendance register, took part in the exercise.
In line with tradition, each candidate was nominated by two family members. A total of 95 names were initially collated, with six additional candidates nominated during the exercise, bringing the total number of aspirants to 101.
However nine of the initial nominees were not represented for nomination. Consequently, 86 candidates were successfully nominated, with an additional six, making a total of 92 bonafide candidates duly acknowledged and adopted.
Certificates of Nomination were signed by the accredited heads of the families and are to be presented to the candidates through their respective families heads.
Dignitaries present at the event included Alhaji Bisi Quadri, Alhaji Sarumi, Hon. Peju Shote, Hon. Kuburat Arigbabu, Prof. Lasu Gbadamosi, Chief Mrs. Olorunosun, Mr. Ogidan, Mrs. Obileye, Mr. Titi Ogunsanya, Mr. Pius Okeowo, Mrs. Balogun M., Mr. Odufogbon B. A., Mrs. Sofayo Felicia, Alhaji Abdulwakeel Odunsi, Rev. Sunday Banjoko, and Otunba Araba Sola Oladunjoye, among others.
The Nomination process was declared closed by Otunba Abiodun Adesanya Ogidan the Family P. R. O, as no member signifies for Nomination of Candidate.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Otunba Owoyemi disclosed that the list of nominated candidates would be forwarded to the Afobajes for screening and subsequently to the Ogun State Government for consideration and approval.
Also speaking, the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, Oba Abdulganiu Awokoya Yesufu, commended the nomination exercise, describing it as smooth, peaceful, and orderly. He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the process and prayed that the kingmakers would select the most suitable candidate to ascend the vacant stool of the Awujale, the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
