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.