Ruling House in Legal Battle Over Awujale Succession: N1bn Suit Filed

The leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has taken legal action against 12 family members, demanding N1 billion in damages over allegations of financial misconduct and their purported removal from office.

The claimants—Chairman Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Dokun Ajidagba, Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Yusuf, and Secretary Pastor Jeremiah Salami—filed the suit at the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode on September 16, 2026. They are contesting claims made by a breakaway faction within the family that they engaged in financial inducement during the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

The four leaders are also seeking a permanent court injunction to prevent the defendants from representing themselves as officials of the ruling house. The defendants include prominent family members such as Pa Olusegun Olusoga and Hon. Kehinde Lawal.

The legal dispute stems from a resolution made on November 7, 2025, which unified three separate units of the ruling house under the current leadership. The claimants argue that this merger was ratified and that they have been properly handling the nomination process for the next Awujale.

Allegations arose when a faction of the family convened an unauthorized meeting in June, resulting in claims of financial misconduct against the leadership. They later announced the removal of the current leaders without following proper procedures.

In August, the breakaway group sent letters to key government officials, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, attempting to validate their claims and urging officials not to engage with the legitimate leadership.

The claimants assert that the breakaway faction lacks the authority to make such decisions, claiming no lawful meeting was held to ratify the removal of the leaders or appoint a new one. They fear continued misrepresentation by the defendants could harm their reputations and disrupt the ongoing selection process for the Awujale.

This lawsuit is not the first legal challenge concerning the Awujale succession. An earlier suit was filed against Governor Abiodun and other officials regarding the selection process, which has been complicated by legal disputes and allegations of misconduct.

As the case awaits reassignment to a new judge, the future of the Awujale succession remains uncertain amidst this family feud. The Awujale stool has been vacant since July 2025, following the death of the former ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona.