Centenary Funsegbuwa Prince Odueke Urged Consideration For The Two Eldest Lineages, Adeodu Adesina and Okuyandewo Royal Families
....Calls for Unity and Historical Justice in Kingship Succession
The Adeodu and Okuyadewo royal families of Ijebu land have issued a united call for peace, truth, and historical justice as the kingdom navigates the process of kingship succession following the passing of the revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II.
In a press conference addressed by 100-year-old Prince Adenuga Odueke, urges all the Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the families emphasizing the need for unity among royal descendants and adherence to tradition.
Prince Odueke extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Anikilaya family, and all sons and daughters of Ijebu land, praying for comfort and peace during this period of mourning.
He equally highlighted the importance of recognizing the four gazetted ruling houses of Ijebu: Gbelegbuwa, Anikilaya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote.
The prince however calls for reaffirmation of the time-honored principle that leadership within the Fusengbuwa house is determined by seniority in age, firmly rejecting attempts to distort historical facts and assert illegitimate claims to leadership.
According to Prince Odueke, the rule is clear: the eldest living member becomes the Olori Ebi, and any self-appointed claim outside this custom is without foundation.
*Historical Account and Succession Call
Prince Odueke provided a detailed historical account of the early Fusengbuwa lineage, tracing back to Oba Fusengbuwa's reign (1790-1820).
According to oral tradition, Oba Fusengbuwa faced challenges in producing heirs despite being married to seventeen wives. Guided by the Ifa oracle, he took one of his late father's wives, Efunsepe, as the eighteenth wife, who bore his first two children: Adesina Adeodu and Okuyandewo.
However, despite their seniority, Prince Odueke noted that only one monarch has ever emerged from the Adeodu line, and none from Okuyandewo, while younger branches of the family have produced multiple kings.
In light of this history, Prince Odueke urged consideration for the two eldest lineages, Adeodu Adesina and Okuyandewo, for the throne.
He equally called for a calm, fair, and apolitical transition, appealing to the Fusengbuwa family, the Olisa of Ijebu land, the Afobajes (kingmakers), and the Ogun State Government to work together to safeguard the dignity and heritage of the Ijebu people.
*Upholding Tradition
Quoting the timeless Yoruba proverb, "Ki a se bi won ti n se, ki o ba le ri bi o ti nri" ("Let us act in accordance with tradition, so things may remain as they should be"),
Prince Odueke thus concluded with a heartfelt call to uphold the customs that have preserved Ijebu's royal legacy for centuries.
Report by
Femi Mebude
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