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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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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.

He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”

Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.

In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote

Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.

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