By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
A renowned communication scholar and legal practitioner, Chief Prof. Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, has raised concerns over what he described as discriminatory practices in the ongoing compilation of candidates for the Awujale of Ijebuland succession.
Prof. Yusuf, who is the Baagbimo of Ijebu and Vice Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, spoke with journalists at his residence in Ijebu-Ode, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the list of eligible princes and princesses is being drawn up.
According to him, the apparent preferential treatment given to certain individuals in the process is troubling and contrary to the principles of equity, fairness, neutrality and justice that should guide traditional succession matters.
He noted that the issue is particularly disturbing in light of the Obas and Chiefs Law signed into law in 2022, which, he said, guarantees equal opportunity for all qualified princes and princesses from recognised ruling houses to participate in the succession process without discrimination, bias or favouritism.
“As a legal practitioner and stakeholder in the traditional institution of Ijebuland, I find it necessary to speak out,” Chief Prof. Yusuf said. “The 2022 Obas Law was enacted to promote fairness, inclusiveness and transparency in traditional succession matters. Any process that excludes eligible candidates undermines both the spirit and the letter of the law.”
He stressed that the Awujale stool is a revered institution with deep historical and cultural significance, adding that its succession process must be guided by justice, equity and strict adherence to due process.
Speakingfurther as a major stakeholder, Prof. Yusuf expressed concern that meaningful corrections may not be achieved unless relevant authorities including traditional councils and government bodies overseeing chieftaincy affairs order a fresh compilation of candidates in strict compliance with the law.
He urged the Afobajes and other decision-making bodies involved in the process to uphold fairness and equity, and to ensure that no eligible prince or princess is unjustly sidelined.
Responding to questions on allegations of financial inducements in the nomination and selection process, Prof. Yusuf said he was not aware of any such practices within his own group.
“I am not aware of any such inducement from my own group, and I cannot speak for other groups,” he said. “However, anyone with concrete evidence should bring it forward publicly and allow the anti-graft agencies to do the needful.”
He concluded by appealing to all stakeholders to place the unity, heritage and long-term stability of Ijebuland above personal or sectional interests, emphasizing that transparency and fairness remain the strongest foundations for a credible and widely accepted Awujale succession process.
