Fusengbuwa Ruling House Leaders Sues 12 Family Members Over Leadership Dispute.
Fusengbuwa Ruling House Leaders Sues 12 Family Members Over Leadership Dispute.
In a significant leadership dispute within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland, four prominent leaders have taken legal action against twelve family members over their alleged removal from office and related allegations. Abdulateef Owoyemi, the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, along with Deputy Chairman Dokun Ajidagba, Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Yusuf, and Secretary Pastor Jeremiah Salami, filed a lawsuit at the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode. They are challenging the legitimacy of the purported removal and the accusations of financial inducement and manipulation during the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The claimants seek N1 billion in damages from the twelve defendants, whom they accuse of making unfounded allegations against them. They also request a perpetual injunction to prevent these defendants from parading themselves as the leaders or representatives of the royal family. The lawsuit, marked HCJ/167/2026, was filed on September 16, 2026, and names several individuals, including Pa Olusegun Olusoga (“AK Black”), Ridwan Oduneye, Muyiwa Adeleye, and others.
The dispute traces back to a meeting held on November 7, 2025, where the ruling house purportedly merged three units into one and adopted a leadership structure led by Owoyemi, Ajidagba, and Yusuf. This structure was responsible for handling the nomination process for the new Awujale, which was forwarded to the kingmakers, led by Chief Dr. Sunny Kuku. However, a breakaway faction, including eight of the defendants, allegedly formed an illegal fact-finding committee in June 2026 to investigate the leadership’s conduct, particularly allegations of financial inducement.
In August 2026, the breakaway faction held a meeting not recognized by the ruling house, during which they claimed to have removed Owoyemi, Ajidagba, and Yusuf from their leadership roles. They also wrote to state authorities, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other officials, claiming to have appointed Olukayode Otufale as the “Single Unified Olori-Ebi” of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The claimants contend these actions are unlawful, asserting that no valid meetings or resolutions have been held to remove them and that the entire process is invalid under native law and tradition.
The lawsuit also seeks a declaration that the purported removal and appointment are null and void, as well as an order restraining the defendants from misrepresenting themselves as the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Additionally, the claimants are demanding damages for the damage caused to their reputation and offices.
This internal family conflict coincides with a broader political and traditional crisis, as the Ogun State government had previously halted the selection process for the new Awujale following petitions and procedural concerns. The process was initiated after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025, who reigned for 65 years, but it has been mired in disputes and legal battles, reflecting the complex and sensitive nature of traditional leadership in Nigeria. The court proceedings continue as the family seeks resolution to this longstanding dispute over leadership and succession.
