The leadership crisis within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has intensified following the Grand Council’s decision to reject the reported removal of its top executive officers and threaten legal action against a rival faction.
During a press briefing in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the ruling house passed a vote of confidence in its Chairman, Abdulateef Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Oladokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman Prof Fassy Yusuf.
The council dismissed allegations of financial inducement and process manipulation as baseless and labelled the fact-finding panel that announced their dismissal on Sunday a “kangaroo committee” comprising “a bunch of usurpers and impostors” lacking any authority to act on behalf of the family.
The leadership dispute comes amidst a prolonged vacancy on the Awujale throne following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025 at the age of 91, after a 65-year reign. The Ogun State Government initially suspended the selection process in December 2025 over procedural concerns before imposing a full embargo in January 2026, citing petitions from security agencies and stakeholders. Prior to the freeze, 95 aspirants, comprising 94 princes and one princess, had emerged from the family’s nomination exercise.
Addressing journalists, Owoyemi clarified that the family had previously reconciled three internal factions following state intervention, establishing a 15-member management council. The executive team also includes Pastor Jeremiah Salami as Secretary, Alhaji Adebisi Quadri as Treasurer, and Abiodun Ogidan as Publicity Secretary.
Owoyemi warned that the rival group, led by self-styled officers Adeleke Adeyemi, Muyiwa Adeleye, Ridwan Oduneye, and Olusegun Olusoga, was executing a script intended to disrupt the family’s entitlement to the throne. He confirmed that individual defamation lawsuits were being prepared, declaring:
“They will surely need to pay for their indiscretions, incorrigibility and misconduct.”
Both Owoyemi and Prof Yusuf urged Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the embargo on the succession exercise, noting that an open letter had already been submitted in May. Prof Yusuf questioned the legality of the state’s intervention, stating:
“I mean, strictly speaking, the government has no authority whatsoever.”
He added that while the family prefers dialogue, it might consider alternative options if the state fails to act.
In response, committee secretary Ridwan Oduneye refuted claims of acting as impostors, maintaining that their actions were based on a 25-page investigative report and a resolution passed on 9 August 2026 by 115 family members representing all lineages.
The committee, inaugurated in June following petitions alleging bribery and irregularities, claimed that only Owoyemi appeared for questioning. According to Oduneye, the panel uncovered a total breakdown of unity and a non-transparent nomination process.
Oduneye further stated that the general meeting had appointed Prince Adeleke Adeyemi as interim secretary and authorised signatory pending new elections. Welcoming the prospect of legal proceedings, Oduneye remarked:
“Litigation is a civil way of seeking redress.”
He added that service to the ruling house ran in his bloodline through his late grandfather, Omooba Adebanjo Oduneye Eruobodo, and denied possessing any personal agenda beyond safeguarding the family’s legacy.