History has begun to stir again in Ijebu-Ode.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House has formally received approval to commence the long-anticipated selection process for the next Awujale & Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, marking a defining moment in the journey toward filling one of Yorubaland’s most revered stools.
The approval, granted on 6th January 2026, sets a clear & uncompromising timeline:
the nomination process must be concluded within 14 days of approval.
By implication, & all things being equal, the strict list of nominees cleared by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, condensed to between 3 & 5 at most, is expected to be made public on or before January 20, 2026.
The directive came via an official communication from the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, following clearance from the Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs.
The letter was duly signed by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo on behalf of the Executive Chairman, & then received on behalf of the Ruling House by Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, Chairman & Head (Olori-Ebi) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
What this approval does is unmistakable:
-it activates tradition,
-it sets the clock ticking,
& it formally opens the path toward the emergence of a new Awujale.
Below is the full & exact content of the approval letter, presented without alteration:
IJEBU-ODE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
P.M.B 2026 ITORO, IJEBU-ODE., OGUN STATE OF NIGERIA
Office of the Executive Chairman
6th January, 2026
our ref. No. :IOLG. 584//II/34
The Head of the family,
Fusengbuwa Ruling House,
Ile Nla Compound,
Agunsebi,
Ijebu-Ode.
APPROVAL FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROCESS TO FILL THE VACANT STOOL OF THE AWUJALE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBULAND
Following clearance from the Ministry of of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, I am directed to convey the approval of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, for the commencement of the Process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is hereby authorized to begin its internal Selection Process
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House through the head Olori Ebi (otunba Abdullateef A Owoyemi, have responded to the Secretary & chosen, January 12, 2026 by 12 noon for the nomination meeting. And have also used the letter to invite the officials of the LG to attend the meeting. The venue is Bisrod hall. The Secretary to the Local Government has since acknowledged receipt of the response. So Monday, here we come.
In accordance with the Customary Laws of Ijebuland and the Chieftaincy Regulations of Ogun State.
To ensure proper administrative documentation, please you are to formally notify the Local Government of the Date, Time, and Venue of the Nomination Exercise. Which must be within 14 days from the receipt of this notification, while Representatives of the Local Government will attend strictly as observers.
This approval is issued to facilitate due process and remains without prejudice to the traditional rights and internal procedures of the Ruling House.
Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.
Signed
HON. OKE ABIODUN ADEBANJO
Secretary to the Local Government
Original Copy received by me with many thanks.
AA Owoyemi. 6|1|2026
What Happens Next
With this approval, the process has moved from speculation to execution.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is now bound by both customary law & a clearly defined statutory timeline. The Local Government’s role, as explicitly stated, is observatory, reinforcing the principle that the heart of the process remains firmly within the traditional institution.
If the process runs its full course without delay or dispute, Ijebu-Ode could witness the emergence of its next monarch before the end of January 2026.
Until then, the ancient city watches.
Tradition speaks.
And history begins to turn another page.
