AWUJALE STOOL UNDER SCRUTINY AS IJEBU INDIGENES RAISE ALARM
Community Voices Express Concern Over Alleged Manipulation, Lineage Misclassification, and Lack of Due Process
By Abdul Lanre Kuku
US-based Ijebu indigene; President, Ijebu Voice Forum, United States of America
As a concerned son of Ijebu land, a citizen of the United States of America, and an Ijebu indigene in my early sixties, I feel compelled to share my personal opinion on the ongoing process surrounding the selection of candidates for the revered Awujale stool.
Recent developments connected to this process raise serious concerns about transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to established Ijebu customs and traditions. There are troubling indications that certain Afobajes, entrusted as custodians of our heritage, may have acted beyond their customary mandate—allegedly influencing procedures, misclassifying eligible royal lineages, and undermining due process.
If such actions are left unchecked, they risk eroding the sanctity, credibility, and legitimacy of the Awujale stool.
The Awujale stool belongs to all Ijebu people. It must never be reduced to an instrument of personal interest, factional control, or manipulation. Its integrity is deeply woven into our history, unity, and collective identity as a people.
In the overriding interest of justice, fairness, and the enduring honour of the Awujale stool, I respectfully call for an immediate, transparent, and independent review of the entire selection process. Such a review should objectively examine the procedures adopted and the conduct of all traditional authorities involved, ensuring full compliance with Ijebu customs, historical records, and applicable laws.
This intervention is made in good faith, guided by love for Ijebu land and a sincere desire to preserve the dignity and legacy of one of Yoruba land’s most revered traditional institutions.
