Omo, the Awujale succession matter is gradually turning into two separate battles. Before the family can agree on who should become the next Awujale, they are now in court over who should even lead the family conducting the selection.
Four leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, led by Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, have sued 12 family members at the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode. They are challenging their alleged removal from office and demanding ₦1 billion in damages over accusations made against them.
But while the lawsuit is pending, another group within the family publicly presented Otunba Olukayode Otufale as its new Olori-Ebi on Sunday. The group says the previous selection exercise had problems and wants the process restarted.
The Owoyemi-led group insists its removal was not valid and wants the court to recognise its leadership. The Otufale group maintains that the leadership change followed family procedures.
Meanwhile, the separate case concerning the suspended selection of the next Awujale is scheduled to return to court on September 23.
So we have a vacant throne, competing family leadership claims, a ₦1 billion lawsuit and disagreement over whether the previous selection process should continue or start afresh.
Ijebu people and those who understand traditional succession matters, come and explain something: when a ruling house is divided over who should represent it, how should the kingmakers proceed without creating another dispute?
Should the leadership question be settled first, or can the selection of the next Awujale continue while the family matter is in court?
Full details: https://veritapost.com/metro/awujale-succession-fusengbuwa-leaders-sue-12-family-members-n1bn
