The Bubiade Royal Family of Ijebu-Ode has called for fairness and proper recognition of its traditional rights in the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The family maintained that its lineage deserves the opportunity to produce the next monarch.
Speaking during a briefing in Ijebu-Ode, the Olori-Ebi of the Bubiade Royal Family, Alhaji Olaide Yusuf Busura, said the appeal became necessary to address what he described as a long-standing historical imbalance in the succession to the Awujale throne.
Busura explained that the Bubiade lineage traces its roots directly to Oba Jadiara, one of the past Awujales of Ijebu-Ode, noting that Bubiade was the first child of the monarch.
According to him, another child of Jadiara, Funsegbuwa, later produced Tunwase, whose descendants have historically produced several Awujales.
He pointed out that historical records indicate that the throne within the Jadiara royal family has repeatedly rotated between the descendants of Funsegbuwa and Tunwase, while the Bubiade lineage has never had the opportunity to ascend the throne.
Busura listed past monarchs from the other branches, including Oba Funsegbuwa, Adesimbo Tunwase, Adekoya Eleruja, and Adenuga Folagbade, who became Awujale in 1925.
He stressed that while the Funsegbuwa and Tunwase descendants have produced several Awujales over the years, the Bubiade branch — despite being direct descendants of Jadiara — has never been allowed to occupy the throne.
Busura said the current selection process presents a chance to correct the long-standing imbalance.
He revealed that about eight eligible princes have emerged from the Bubiade lineage, compared with about 75 candidates from other branches, describing the disparity as evidence of the challenge the family faces.
“This imbalance clearly shows the problem before us. A lineage that has never produced a king is now competing with branches that have had multiple opportunities over centuries,” he said.
The family also raised constitutional concerns, referencing provisions in the Ogun State Chiefs Law 2021 and warning that excluding Bubiade descendants from the process could contradict Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on circumstances of birth.
Busura emphasised that in Yoruba traditional governance, kingship is not automatic inheritance but a customary selection process among qualified princes from recognised royal lineages.
The Bubiade Royal Family therefore appealed to the regent of Ijebu-Ode, Dr Sunny Kuku, the kingmakers, traditional rulers across Ijebu land, and the Ijebu-Ode Local Government authorities to ensure fairness in the selection process.
He maintained that their demand does not challenge tradition but rather seeks to restore fairness within it.
Busura also urged sons and daughters of Ijebu land to uphold justice, unity and respect for royal lineage in order to maintain peace and harmony in the kingdom.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91 after a remarkable 65-year reign.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government had earlier suspended the selection process for the second time in January after receiving petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
A total of 95 aspirants — 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House — had earlier emerged during the nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall in GRA, Ijebu-Ode.
The kingmakers, led by Dr Sunny Kuku, were preparing to begin the selection process when the state government halted the exercise.
Also speaking, the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Abdulateef Owoyemi, appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers complete their task, noting the growing frustration among members of the royal family and Ijebu indigenes both at home and in the diaspora.
Owoyemi, however, commended the governor for his support so far, while stressing that distractions should not delay the completion of the Awujale selection process.
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