The Fidipote Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, where popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 De Ultimate belongs, has written to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, claiming that it is the turn of the family to present candidate(s) to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
The royal house stated that the 14-day statutory period given to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to present candidate(s) has lapsed.
The family, in a letter dated 17 December 2025 and signed by Oba Tajudeen Ibirogba Ishola Omotayo, the Olumope of Imope, and Omooba Tunde Aderibigbe as Secretary, notified the council of the lapse of the statutory period and invited it to a meeting scheduled for 20 December 2025.
Speaking with our correspondent, Oba Omotayo said the action of the Fidipote Ruling House was in pursuance of Section 16 of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.
He explained that Section 16(1)(b) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, mandatorily provides that a ruling house so entitled shall submit the name(s) of its candidate(s) not later than fourteen (14) days after the announcement by the Secretary of the competent council.
He added that, by virtue of Section 16(1)(c) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, where the ruling house entitled fails to submit candidate(s) within the prescribed time, the next ruling house entitled under the order of rotation contained in the declaration becomes legally entitled to present candidate(s).
The letter reads:
“Notice of Lapse of Statutory Period and Invitation to Fidipote Ruling House Meeting Pursuant to Section 16 of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.
“We write on behalf of the Fidipote Royal Family, one of the recognised ruling houses entitled to the stool of the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, pursuant to the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.
“We respectfully refer to your letter dated 2 December 2025, with reference No. IOLG 584/11/29, wherein the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was formally notified and invited to present candidate(s) for the vacant stool of Awujale in accordance with Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021.
“Take notice as follows:
“Section 16(1)(b) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, mandatorily provides that a ruling house so entitled shall submit the name(s) of its candidate(s) not later than fourteen (14) days after the announcement by the Secretary of the competent council.
“The said statutory period of fourteen (14) days lapsed on 16 December 2025, without the submission of any candidate(s) by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, to the best of our knowledge.
“By virtue of Section 16(1)(c) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, where the ruling house first entitled fails to submit candidate(s) within the prescribed time, the next ruling house entitled under the order of rotation contained in the declaration becomes legally entitled to present candidate(s).
“Under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959, the next ruling house entitled after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is the Fidipote Ruling House.
“In the circumstances, and in strict compliance with the above-stated statutory and customary provisions, the Fidipote Royal Family hereby formally notifies your office that it is now legally entitled to present candidate(s) for consideration and screening by the kingmakers.
“Pursuant to Section 16(1)(d) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, which authorises the presence of the Secretary of the Local Government or his duly authorised representative as an observer at meetings of ruling houses, we hereby cordially invite you to attend the general meeting of the Fidipote Royal Family, scheduled for Saturday, 20 December 2025, at Fidipote Royal Hall, 12 Fusigboye Street, Idewon Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, by 10.00 a.m.
“The purpose of the meeting is the formal expression of interest by intending candidates; screening of candidates by eligible family members in accordance with customary law and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959; voting and selection of candidate(s) to be forwarded to the kingmakers in line with Section 16(1)(b) and (e) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021.
“We assure your office that the entire process shall be conducted peacefully, transparently and strictly in accordance with the law, established customary practices, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.”
