An octogenarian and matriarch of Ijebu royal lineage, Princess Sidikat Onasanya (nee Adebisi), has said the next Awujale of Ijebuland should emerge from either Olufadi or Tunwase royal families of Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
Mrs. Onasanya, the eldest child of the late Prince Fasasi Adeyemi, popularly known as Obanlefa within the Ijebu-Ode royal circle, made this known in a statement issued at the weekend.
She based her position on what she described as historical, oral and gazetted facts that outlined the royal succession procedure within Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode.
Princess Onasanya said: ‘Ijebu-Ode royal gazette is clear. If no princes worthy of the Awujale stool are ready and available from Abidagba Okunrin lineage of the Olufadi or Tunwase families, then princes from Abidagba Obinrin lineage may be considered, followed by those from the Abidoye lineage.’
She noted that Fusengbuwa Ruling House comprised eight family units; with Olufadi and Tunwase representing the two male Abidagba Okunrin lineages, and Shenowo, Okunyandewo, Adebiyi and Adeberu representing the four Abidagba Obinrin lineages.
She added that two lineages born before her great-great-great-grandfather, Fusengbuwa, ascended the Awujale stool, Oshinuga and Adekenu; representing the two Abidoye lineages.
Recounting the genealogy, Princess Onasanya said Fusengbuwa had eight wives and eight children (Idi-Igi Mejo). Two were born before he ascended the throne, Osinuga and Adekenu; while six were born after he became Awujale in 1790.
She said: ‘The first male child born on the throne was Olufadekemi, known as Olufadi, followed by Ali Adesimbo, later known as Tunwase. These are the first legitimate royal sons of Fusengbuwa,’ she narrated.
She noted that her late father, Prince Adeyemi aka Obanlefa served as Olori Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House for 25 years (1988-2013).
She said during his tenure, he worked with the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, before his passing at the age of 96.