Ijebu-Ode Ruling Families Re-affirm Ajidagba As Fusengbuwa Head – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Two of the recognized ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode; Anikilaya and Gbelegbuwa have thrown their weight behind Prince Adedokun Ajidagba as the Olori-Ebi (head) of the Fusengbuwa ruling house.

In separate interviews with journalists on Saturday, Prince Taheeb Mabadeje Alaga, head of the Anikilaya ruling house and chairman of the four ruling families in Ijebu-Ode, alongside Alhaji Adelagun Anibi, secretary of the Gbelegbuwa ruling house, reaffirmed their confidence in Ajidagba’s leadership.

They explained that both Ajidagba and Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, the general secretary of the four ruling houses, have been carrying out the duties of Olori-Ebi and secretary even before the passing of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona of the Ogbagba Anikilaya lineage.

Prince Mabadeje noted that a court had previously ruled against Chief Lateef Owoyemi before Ajidagba’s formal confirmation as Olori-Ebi. He recalled how their fathers held joint family meetings decades ago, a tradition he and Ajidagba are sustaining today.

“I have known Prince Adedokun Ajidagba for over 40 years. Our fathers were members of the Anikilaya and Fusengbuwa ruling houses.

At 82 years old, and with a firm Muslim upbringing, I cannot see black and call it white. Our fathers used to meet in unity, and I never thought things would degenerate to this level,” Mabadeje said.

He further maintained that Oba Adetona himself had dismissed Chief Owoyemi’s claim to the Fusengbuwa lineage in a court decision.

“The evidence is there. Ajidagba has been discharging the functions of Olori-Ebi long before Oba Adetona passed on. Owoyemi’s father never participated in our general meetings.

“As chairman of the four ruling houses in Ijebu-Ode, I categorically recognize Prince Adedokun Ajidagba as the legitimate Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa family. I cannot twist the truth,” Mabadeje added.

He appealed to the Ogun State Government and the Afobaje (kingmakers) not to meddle in family matters but to allow the ruling houses to present a qualified candidate. “The government should remain neutral. It is the family’s responsibility to put forward a worthy candidate with strong roots, not an outsider or someone with only financial influence,” Alaga cautioned.

Similarly, Alhaji Akeem Adelagun Anibi of the Gbelegbuwa ruling house restated his support for Ajidagba, noting that the four families have consistently held meetings under his leadership, with Prince Adeleke serving as secretary.

“At the last gbedu drum ceremony, the other three families, Gbelegbuwa, Fidipote, and Anikilaya joined hands to honour them. The Fusengbuwa family is intrinsically tied to the Agunsebi Ile-Nla compound. I cannot comprehend how someone from Idowa would claim to be Olori-Ebi in Ijebu-Ode. To me, that is an imposture,” Anibi stated.

He stressed that the ruling houses remain united behind Ajidagba. “Since his recognition as Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, we have supported Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and we continue to stand by him to present a credible candidate for the Awujale’s stool,” he affirmed.