Crisis in Ijebu's Fusengbuwa Ruling House: A Threat to Traditional Governance
A recent development has sparked controversy within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, highlighting ongoing power struggles within the traditional governance structure of Ijebuland. The dispute centers around conflicting claims to the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, one of the four ruling houses that rotationally select the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Background
The Awujale of Ijebuland is selected rotationally from four Ruling Houses: Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelebuwa. Each house has its own Family Head (Olori Ebi) and participates in inter-ruling house meetings under the Awujale Ruling Houses (Idile Oba Merin).
Cause of the Conflict
The conflict arose after the passing of Prince Adebisi Adeyemi Obanlefa, the long-standing Family Head (Olori Ebi) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, in 2013. A contest for the family headship ensued between Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun and Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi. The Ijebu Ode High Court ruled that Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi was not a member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, citing his admission that he originated from Ikoro Ekiti.
Current Developments
Both Dr. Adekunle Olubola Hassan and Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi's claims to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are contentious. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House had appointed Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba as its Head, which was recognized by the other Ruling Houses and the late Awujale Sikiru Olukayode Adetona. Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi's claim may be linked to a Court of Appeal judgment, but there is nothing in the judgment that could make him a parallel Family Head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in 2025.
Conclusion
The crisis in the Fusengbuwa Ruling House threatens the stability of the traditional governance structure of Ijebuland. The four Ruling Houses, elders of Ijebuland, and all descendants of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House must collaborate to find a lasting resolution to this imbroglio and forestall unnecessary delays in the installation of a new Awujale.
