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Awujale Stool: Ruling House Begins Selection, Emphaizes Upholding Tradition

“As for the state government, we have written to them to steer clear of the process leading to the selection of the next Awujale. They should allow the natural process to run its course,”

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The next Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland must be ready to uphold the highly revered traditions of Ijebu, the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is next to produce the monarch, has said.

The head of the ruling house, Adedokun Ajidagba, disclosed this on Thursday, during the beating of Gbedu drums, a significant cultural tradition that marks the intention of the next eligible ruling house to present a candidate for the Awujale stool.

The ceremony was held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Recall that the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 years, after spending 65 years on the throne.

The foremost royal father was buried on Monday at his Ijebu Ode, GRA private residence, according to Islamic injunction.

At the burial, Soldiers deployed at the venue prevented traditionalists from interfering in the burial process.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was present at the burial, said it was the wish of the deceased Awujale to be buried according to Islamic rites.

The state recently passed a bill, titled “Obas, Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council law of Ogun State, Bill 2021,” aimed at respecting human dignity and promoting modernity in the installation and burial of traditional rulers.

His burial has continued to generate furore, as traditionalists argued that the deceased monarch ought to have been buried according to the tradition of the Ijebu land.

Speaking on Thursday, Ajidagba warned that whoever would succeed the late Oba Adetona must be ready to uphold the highly revered tradition of Ijebu land.

“To my family members, whoever is eventually selected as the next Awujale must not discard Isese, which we call tradition, because that is what will make the town develop.

“The late Awujale said the candidate must be selected according to the wishes of Ifa. He said we should use the Ifa oracle to pick the candidate,” he said.

Ajidagba also called on the government to stay away from interfering with the process of selecting the new monarch.

“As for the state government, we have written to them to steer clear of the process leading to the selection of the next Awujale. They should allow the natural process to run its course,” he added.

The family head said the ruling house would allow laid down rules to be followed, adding that the family would vehemently resist the imposition of money bags.

“The late Awujale, Oba Adetona, during his lifetime in one of the Ojude Oba, I think that of 2021, warned that the next Awujale should not be a case of money bags, or a billionaire, or a politician,” he added.

Ajidagba stated that the family was fully prepared to present a qualified and worthy candidate from among its princes, calling for unity and support from the family in the selection process.

“We have eight units in the family, and all of them have been showing cooperation. We are beginning to see some intruders, but we won’t allow them. We won’t allow strangers to get to the throne,” he said.

He added, “In Ijebu-Ode, we have four ruling houses: Anikilaya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote, and Gbelegbuwa. The last Awujale was from Anikilaya, and now it is the turn of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which I currently lead.

“It is our tradition to beat the Gbedu drums immediately after the demise of an Awujale, signalling the next ruling house to produce a successor.

“This event is part of the spiritual and traditional process of selecting the next monarch.”

Ajidagba added that the family had received a certificate of affirmation from the Ijebu-Ode Local Government in 2023, officially recognising Fusengbuwa as a legitimate ruling house.

Ajidagba stated that “Whoever emerges as the next Awujale from the family must be accepted by all and must uphold the traditions of Ijebu.”

Also speaking at the event, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, who serves as the General Secretary for both the four ruling houses and the Fusengbuwa family, said he had maintained accurate family records for over 20 years.

“It is our right and responsibility to present a qualified and respected prince with a strong background.

“The Fusengbuwa Ruling House comprises eight branches, all of which are represented here today and in full support of this process,” he noted.

Adeyemi praised the leadership of Prince Ajidagba and affirmed that the family remained united in its mission.

The Olowa of Ijebu-Ode and Abore of Awujale, Chief Razaq Osimodi, said the Gbedu ceremony had long been the tradition that identified the rightful family to produce the next Awujale.

“I fully support the actions taken by the leaders of the Fusengbuwa family. While there are many interested candidates, only one will emerge, and the Ifa oracle will guide the family in making that decision,” he said.

In a similar vein, Olaseni Ottun described Ijebu as a kingdom rich in unique culture, calling for a united front in the bid to produce the next Awujale.

 

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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